Welsh Journals

The origin of the name Risca is doubtful but it may be from Yr hesg gae, the sedge field. Goleu one of the daughters of Brychan is said to have lived at Llan eschin which seems to be this place.' Until about the year 1830 Risca was an agricultural parish but within the last half century has enormously increased in population and prosperity, owing to the collieries which have been opened, and the iron, steel and tin plate works which have been established. The parish contains 1,844 acres of land and 35 of water. The rateable value in 1815 was £ 708 and in 1891 £ 18,664. The population has been as follows: Year No. of inhabitants 1801 240 1811 564 1821 358 1831 742 1841 1,072 1881 3,971 1891 5,647 The church The church which stands on the site of the original building was built in 1853 and contains no features of interest. It has been found to be on the site of a Roman villa and has a holy well in the churchyard. It was formerly a chapelry to Bassaleg. Monumental inscriptions The only monument in the church is on the north wall of the chancel. Under the communion table in this church lies interred in hope of a sure resurrection among the just Charles Phillips of this parish Esqr and Amy his wife. He died Feb> the 13th 1775 She died Nov' the 17th 1775 in the 52/49 years of their age Charles Phillips their son died July the 22nd 1778 aged 7 years Elizabeth the daughter of William Phillips Esq' died April the 15th 1793 aged 3 months Samuel son of W.P. died May 15th 1802 aged 16 Risca months Samuel Smith Phillips son of William and Martha Phillips died 15th of Feb. 1811 aged 5 years and 5 months and is buried in this chancel Also George Jubilee Phillips son of the above William and Martha Phillips who departed this life January the 14th 1828 aged 18 years Also in memory of the said William Phillips Esquire who departed this life December the 29th 1835 aged 74 years Also of Martha Phillips daughter of the said William and Martha Phillips who departed this life August the 31st 1844 aged 58 years Also of Martha Phillips wife of the above William Phillips died 3 of July 1849 aged 81 years Also of Charles son of William and Martha Phillips who departed this life on the 31st day of May 1860 aged 75 years Elizabeth Phillips daughter of the above died 24 Mar. 1891 aged 77 years Crest over the monument a cock standing on a garb fesseways1 On the pulpit which is built of stone This pulpit was erected to commemorate the Jubilee of Her Majesty Queen Victoria and also to perpetuate the memory of the clergymen who officiated in this church during that period, Revd David Davies, Rev" William Phillips and ReV Hugh Williams LL.D. IN THE CHURCHYARD In loving memory of Charles Phillips of Risca House who died the 31st day of May 1860 aged 75 years Also of John R. Duffield youngest son of the late William Duffield and grandson of the above who died on the 4th day of June 1868 aged 18 years Also of Elizabeth Phillips daughter of the above who died March 24, 1891, aged 77 years Sacred to the memory of Martha Smith Giles daughter of William and Amy Giles of this parish who died September 22, 1848 aged 13 years Also of the said Amy Giles who died April 12th 1852 aged 60 years Also of William Phillips Giles son of the said William and Amy Giles who died November 28 1852 aged 21 years Risca House Risca House which stands above the canal half a mile south east of the church was at one time the chief residence and estate in the parish. William Phillips called generally Squire Phillips was a leading man in this district and for many years kept a pack of hounds hunting the