Robert Ashton Bostock - Penmaen GP

 

Penmaen, Gower

Penmaen, Gower.  The village is found at the foot of slopes of Cefn Bryn.  Parc-Le-Breos, the 19^th century hunting lodge, the one-time deer park owned by William de Breos, Lord of Gower.

Penmaen Castle, dating back to the 12^th century first constructed out of timber, even thought there was no co-ordinated Norman invasion of Wales, important magnates were encouraged to seize land within the Principality.  In return so-called Marcher Lords were given regal power, within their new territories in Wales.  During 1107, Henry de Beaumont, Earl of Warwick, was granted the Gower Peninsula, from Henry I in piecemeal conquest of South Wales.  Henry de Beaumont immediately started to secure his new lands with fortifications raised on key points.  It was then during this period that the first castles, were built at Penmaen.

Location of castle

The castle was built on upon the summit of a headland having been protected on the north, east and south-east by the high cliffs, it was protected itself by earthwork rampart, surrounded by a ditch.   The oval shaped fortification commanded views over Threecliffs Bay.  

 The first castle was destroyed by fire, and then a new fortification was built with a lower portion of the gatehouse reverted in stone, also built at the same time was a stone hall.  Penmaen Castle remained occupied until 1217 when “all the castles of Gower”, were destroyed by Rhys Gryg ap Rhys. After this date, the castle was not rebuilt.

 

The early church located on the Penmaen Burrows, had been besanded during the early 14^th century, it owned by the knights of St. John.  During the 19^th century the church that stands today was restored by a father, John James, and son, Edward Knight James  clergy.  It’s during these work that there is little of the original church.  However, discovered under the church alter a gravestone dating from 1623.  Its inscription read:

'here resteth the body of David the sonne of David the sonne of Richard the sonne of Nicholas the sonne of Rys teh sonne of Leison teh sonne of Rys the sonne of Morgan Ychan the sonne of Morgan the sonne of Cradocke the sonne of Iustin ap Gwrgan Sometime Lord of Glamorgan interred the 21 day of August in the year of our blessed redemption 1623. In this bit of earth likewise reposeth the body of Jane his wife deceased the 23 of Febr. 1631 whome God consorts in sacred rites and love death canot seperate marrow from the dove.'

Gower Union Workhouse

The new church was dedicated to St. John the Baptist.  Overlooking the church is the Gower Union Workhouse, opening during 1861.  The workhouse served all the Gower parishes.  The workhouse was able to accommodate 50 inmates.

 

Robert Ashton Bostock, died 1917, buried in the churchyard.

Robert Ahston Bostock

Who was Robert?

Robert was born 1860, London.  He was the son of Deputy Surgeon General J. A. Bostock, CB, Scots Guards and grandson of Dr. Bostock FRS. 

 

 

 

 

By the age of 10, at the time of the 1871 Census, Robert was a student studying at Carshalton, Epsom.  Further studies at Wellington College, Berkshire.   

1871 Census

1881 Census, border Robert, 20, resided at 66 Abington Street, Northamptonshire.  His occupation is Medical Student

1881 Census

 After this he followed the footsteps of his father and grandfather, with training at St Bartholomew’s Hospital.  1885, Robert was made LSA of London and MRCS of England, this followed in 1887, with the LRC of Physicians.

1886, Robert was the Honorary Surgeon to Queen Victoria and Surgeon Captain to the Army staff.  1887, Robert was the Surgeon to the Scots Guards.  He served with 2^nd Battalion, Scots Guards for 11 years and their Medical Officer.  1892, Robert married at St. Peters, Eaton Square, Pimilaco, London to Mary Catherine Parry.

Having retired from the army, Robert, moved to Glamorgan, where he became a local GP.  At the time of the 1901 Census, Robert, 40 residing at Cefn Mor, Penmaen, Gower. His occupation is listed as Retired Army Officer J.P.  Caroline Mary, 36.  Also present are their children, Elizabeth, 7; John, 3; Ashton, 2 and Harriet 11 months.  Visiting is Katherine A. Walters, 23. Also, present are five servants, Carnell Bevan, 31; Minnie Squire, 27; Emily A. Ace, 16; Edith M. Atkin, 22 and Lily B. Barham, 18.

1901 Census

After the South African War, Robert assisted with the War Office, with the impact caused by the war. 

At the time of the 1911 Census, Robert, 50, still residing at Penmaen. Robert’s occupation is listed as an Officer Army Retired. Also present is wife Caroline, 46.  Visiting is a family member, George Edgar John Bostock, 41, whom is a retired Major from the Indian Army. Also present are seven servants, Isabella Keys, 28; Rose Fardoe, 21; Bessie Morgan, 23; Elizabeth Williams, 23; Harriet Edith Dee, 24; Anne Percy, 64 and Editha Griffiths, 21.  

1911 Census

 At the time of the outbreak of the First World War, August 1914, returned to the Colours, getting Mentioned for “valuable medical services”, he was also becoming President of the Shoreditch Medical Recruitment Board.

1917, Robert caught an illness contracted from active service, dying on the 12^th August at Marylebone, London.  His body was brought back home to Penmaen for burial.  He left a will with the effects of £71,365 5s 7d.  His wife, Caroline, died 1949.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

The Cambrian Daily Leader
26th September 1917

Herald of Wales and
Monmouthshire Recorder
3rd November 1917

Both The Cambrian Daily Leader and Herald of Wales and Monmouthshire Recorder published articles regarding to the death of Robert