YOUNG ALHS
disasters at
abergavenny Castle
We have all heard about the massacre at Abergavenny Castle in 1175 but lesser disasters have happened occasionally ever since the Castle opened to the public.
The Easter Monday Fete at the Castle in 1882 was a great success with gymnastics, a steeplechase all over the Castle grounds and performances by Mr Ohmy a contortionist. But during the Firework Display in the evening some staging collapsed when too many children climbed on it to see better. No serious injuries were reported at the time but Miss Augusta Kate Grieve, a 19 year old who lived in Pen-y-Pound, was found to have been seriously crushed and she died later of her injuries.
In 1909 Alice Maud Taylor of Blaenavon was struck on the head by a swing boat when she bent to pick up a friend’s hat. She survived but needed 18 stitches in her wound and developed a squint.
In May 1910 the Amateur Wrestling Championships were held in the Castle grounds. Just before he competitions ended an exceptionally heavy thunderstorm swept over town with torrential rain, thunder and lightning. Several persons on the wall gantry ran for shelter to the wooden turret at the head of the rustic staircase. Miss Grant was struck on the head, her nose and face were badly scorched and she was knocked unconscious. Miss Morgan was also struck on the head. Treatment was given by the St John’s Ambulance men and Miss Grant was taken home in an ambulance. Mr Nash was struck on the back of his head and Mr Morgan had his right arm and left hand severely scorched. Both were able to travel home after treatment. The turret shelter was damaged and the upright support splintered but no marks of burning were seen.
Images: www.monlifecollections.co.uk
Abergavenny Chronicle May 1910
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