Richard Nevill

Richard Nevill (1817–1892)

1817 Born at Llanelli, second son of Richard Janion Nevill

Worked at the Llanelli copperworks

1839 left the copperworks to become a partner in the Wern ironworks, a small foundry originally established at Llanelli by his uncle William Yalden junior.

1849 Married Mary Sophia (b. 1821), daughter of Joseph Willis of Crewkerne; they had three children.

Expanded the foundry into a large concern, known locally as Nevill's foundry, specializing in the manufacture of heavy machinery, works and marine engines, boilers, and other products.

Also involved in the establishment and management of iron and tinplate works in and around Llanelli.

1892 Died suddenly on 5 June, while visiting his wife's birthplace at Crewkerne.

Death Announcement

'DEATH OF MR R. NEVILL, J.P., LLANELLY.
It is with deep regret that we announce the death of Mr Richard Nevill, J.P., D.L., of Felinfoel House, Llanelly, which took place about eight o'clock on Sunday morning, at Crewkerne, Somersetshire, the residence of Mrs Nevill's brother. The departed gentleman had for a long period been a very active member on the public boards of Llanelly, but the infirmities of age — he died only a day before completing his 75th birthday — had of late compelled him to retire from all participation in public affairs. He had been ailing for sometime, and was for a brief period confined to his room. After this he recovered somewhat, and attended a meeting of the Llanelly Board of Guardians as recently as month ago, appearing then exceedingly well in health. A week later he proceeded to Crewkerne, the early home of Mrs Nevill, but his health once mora failed him, and Mr Frank Nevill and Mr W. Y. Nevill (sons) were hastily summoned to his bedside about a fortnight ago. During his illness he was faithfully attended by his devoted wife. Kindly ministrations, however, were of no avail, and on Sunday morning his useful and honoured life was brought to a close.

'Mr Richard Nevill was a member of one of the most highly-esteemed families in the countv of Carmarthen. He was a son of the late Mr Richard Janion Nevill, of Liangennech Park, one of the founders of the extensive copper and lead works in Llanelly, and part proprietor of the largest collieries in the district. He was a brother to the late Mr C. W. Nevill, who represented the Carmarthen Boroughs in the Conservative interest for some years. The departed gentleman was born at Field House, Llanelly, and with the exception of a residence of a few years' duration at Llangennech Park in his early days he has always lived at Felinfoel. In his youth the departed gentleman spent some time in the copper works (owned by Messrs Nevill, Druce, and Co), and was afterwards connected with what is at present known as the Western Tin-plate Works, but which during Mr Nevill's association with it was called the Marshfield Works. At one time he had also interests in the Old Lodge Sheet-iron and Black-plate Works (which a few years ago was transformed by another company into a tin-plate works), and in the Hendy Works, Pontardulais.

'But Mr R. Nevill was best known by his long and honourable connection with the Wern Foundry and Iron Works, one of the most flourishing establishments of its kind in South Wales. A few years ago this well-known works was acquired by a limited liability company, but Mr Nevill retained a powerful interest, and the management was continued in the hands of his sons, Mr F. R. and Mr W. Y. Nevill. The deceased gentleman had filled several responsible positions on the public boards of the town, of most of which he had been a member for many years, having been chairman of the Local Board and Harbour Commission, and also chairman of the Board of Guardians since the death of Mr C. W. Nevill. On the latter Board especially he was most faithful in attendance, and rarely did he miss a meeting. His honesty of purpose, his integrity, and his courteous kindness to all won for him the regard and esteem of all members of the community, whether rich or poor.

'Mr Nevill was for some years senior and consequently presiding magistrate of the Llanelly Petty Sessional Division, and in that post his one aim and object was to dispense equal justice to all. About two years ago he was appointed Deputy-Lieutenant for the county. Mr Nevill was a devoted adherent of the Established Church, and in politics was a firm upholder of Conservative principles, though at no time had he taken any prominent part in political warfare or controversy.

'He was married 43 years ago to Miss Wills, daughter of the late Mr Joseph Wills, Crewkerne, the surviving children of the marriage being Mr Frank Nevill, Mr W. Y. Nevill, and Miss Lena. Nevill (a lady of considerable literary repute), whilst he is also mourned by the following sisters and brothers :— Mrs Canon Williams, Llanelly Rev Archdeacon Nevill, Norwich, Mrs R. Goring Thomas, late of Llanon and Mr W. H. Nevill, Ferryside.

'Deep regret is felt at Llanelly and Felinfoel at the death of a gentleman so well-beloved, and much sympathy is felt with Mrs Nevill and children in their bereavement.'

See Also

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Sources of Information

• Biography of Nevill family, ODNB