The Salthouse Silvanus mentions is a pair of cottages that
once stood on the western end of Porteynon Bay.
Said to have been built on the site of a fortified mansion house and
stone quay belong to the Lucas family, the original structure, built in the 17th
century, was destroyed in the devastating Great Storm of 1703. A pair of cottages was built on the ruin
during the 18th century and, according to local guides, occupied
until the mid 19th century, although Silvanus’ letter suggests
occupation may have continued longer.
Overton, Gower
June 29th
My
dear Brother
I think I may venture to write with a
reasonable amount of safety now the general outlook in political circles have
assumed a more settled & promising prospect, both at home & abroad,
which is proof of the ability of those men you ridicule & point the finger
os corn (shame) our foreign relations on every hand has become settled &
friendly, & that dangerous firery agitative spirit formerly so promiently universal
throughout the cabinets of the known world has become a thing of the past for
Britain who’s influence is so powerfully felt has placed the reins in the hands
of men that has an unusual amount of common sense which they use in cool
deliberation followed by firm actions, instigated by the conviction that we ask
for nothing but what is right & will submit nothing that is wrong. I have several things to say socially so I
forgo polititics.
I there comes your
long list of questions, there are about half a dozen strawberries, there were
about 3 qrs of gooseberries but the young apple trees are real Liberals. There is no one a Salthouse, Mr. Madge has
sold up. Perhaps you will be satisfied
to know I am a free agent. I have no
betrothal Anne Stevens is unmaried but Morgan Bevan (the ship) is home, &
they are considered engaged. Lizzie will
tell you all about hers. Francis fell in
love with a girl in Swansea, who hapened to be coming down to Gower for a
fortnight so he returned & all his schemes of adventure fell through.
I sent
the programme of what we were treated with in school. We the Oddfellows are going to have a dinner
& march with a band & grand display of bunting. I am one of five on a commitee to make all
arrangements. I must go at once to Porteynon, write by return then you shall
hear all particulars. B.
Photographs of Salt House ruins taken in 2008
hi
ReplyDelete