South Street, Crown in centre of image |
Its name is derived from Sevastopol (originally spelt 'Sebastopol) on the Crimean Peninsula in Ukraine. This has always been a strategic port with a current population of over 300,000. There were several towns and villages called 'Sebastopol,' across the world, but many have disappeared. The internet, however, reveals we are not alone, there is another thriving community in California, USA.
The news of the fall of Sebastopol in 1855, with victory achieved by the British and French against the Russian forces, reached Pontypool in the South Wales valleys, on the evening of Monday, 11th September of that year. Great celebrations ensued in the town itself and surrounding district.
Woodland Terrace facing Greenhill Road |
The population of the Parish of Panteg just south of Pontypool, had grown rapidly in size from 550 in 1801 to 2432 in 1851, due to the success of the iron works, the canal, the railways, and the local farm produce being in great demand to feed everyone.
Cottages on Greenhill Road adjoining Woodland Terr. |
Page's Fish & Chip Shop, South Street, Sebastopol |
How do you choose a name for a village?
It is believed a group of tenants and landowners, including Mr Steedman of Steedman's Terrace, held a meeting, possibly at the Waterloo Public House. They decided on the boundaries, and the unusual name that was the current news of the day, Sebastopol.
Two Facebook Groups that may be of interest:
'Old Pontypool,'
'Pontypool Past & Present'
www.pontypooltoday.co.uk
Sebastopol, A Local History by W G Lloyd, published 1992.
My mother, Edith Mary Phelps, was born in Sebastapol, and as a child, with her parents Fred and Nan Phelps, moved to Canada around 1923. They moved back to Sebastapol a couple of times before finally settling in Canada for good. There is a family legend that my great grandfather, who was postmaster in Sebastapol after returning from the Crimea War, had a hand in naming the village.
ReplyDeleteLovely to hear from you Bob. Thank you for sharing your memories.
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