My Family History:
Crossing the Severn in the late 18th. century.
A discussion with another family history researcher, concerning the
movement of folk between the West Country and South Wales, kindled my
interest in finding out ways in which my own ancestors may have made the
journey across the River Severn.
In the late 18th century, there were two river crossings near Bristol one
at Aust, known as the Old Passage, and the other at New Passage.
The crossing from Aust to Beachley in the Gloucestershire parish of
Tidenham was about two miles. This was the way to the Forest of Dean,
Herefordshire and the upper part of Monmouthshire.
At New Passage, the crossing was about three miles at high water to Port
Skewith (Portskewett) in Monmouthshire. People wishing to travel to
Cardiff, Caerleon, Pontypool and other parts of South Wales took this
route.
In those days, the crossing at either of these passages depended on the
winds. When the winds were southerly or westerly and blowing up the river
one could make the crossing on the ebb tide, which was seven hours. If the
wind was blowing down the river in a northerly or easterly direction there
was only five hours for passing on the incoming tide. When the wind was
from the south east or north west it was blowing directly across the river
so travellers had to be ready waiting at the passages an hour before high
water.
There was a difference in time of about an hour between passing at Aust
and at New Passage. If the tide was coming in and the winds were northerly
or easterly, New Passage was an hour sooner than Aust. If the tide was on
the ebb and the winds were southerly or westerly, Aust was an hour sooner
than New Passage.
In 1793/94, the price of passage for a four-wheeled carriage was 10
shillings while a two-wheeled carriage crossed for 5 shillings. A horse
and man could cross for 1 shilling. The price of passage for a horse alone
was 8d. while that of a foot passenger was 6d. Cattle could be carried
across the river at 6d. per head and the passage for a score of sheep or
pigs was 2s. 6d. If a small boat was hired on purpose to cross over the
price was 5 shillings exclusive of passage.
I crossed the Severn on the Aust ferry as a small child. I remember it was
quite a hair-raising experience! Perhaps making the crossing with a score
of sheep in high winds would be even more hair-raising ! :-)
Among my ancestors who crossed the Severn were:
Charlotte NORMAN from Burlescombe, DEV in mid 1850s
James BAKER from Culmstock, DEV in mid 1850s
Sydney PAYNE from Temple Cloud, SOM in mid 1870s
HANCOCKs and HAYMANs from Bitton, GLS in late 1860s
VATERs/VEATERs from SOM in first half of 19th century
