THE KEY TO NEATH CASTLE
MARY WALKER
Whilst doing research about the history of Neath Castle, references to a key to the castle were found in newspaper articles.
It was intriguing to think about, was this an actual key, and if so, does it still exist?
Using British Newspaper Archives, references were found over some decades to the handing of a key from one Mayor to the next. This was part of the Mayor Making ceremony along with the wearing of the Mayoral robes and the bestowing of the title of ‘Constable of the Castle.’
These references to the ceremony occurred when Neath was part of the Borough Council (now the Neath Town Council).
In 1897, as part of the celebrations held in Neath to mark the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria, Neath Castle ruins and grounds were presented to the Borough Council by Alderman JH Rowland.
In August of 1907 the Western Mail reported the grounds being formally opened by the mayor, a Mr Phillips. Intriguingly the article continues ‘Mr JR Jones (the chairman of the streets committee) presented the mayor with a handsome gold key and his worship then unlocked the gates.’
The mayor gave a speech which ended with hopes that care would be taken of the castle and its grounds. The castle and grounds would be open to the public, for the present on Sunday and Thursday afternoon and evenings.
A report under the title ‘Golden Key of Neath Castle’ which appeared in the Herald of Wales (November 1921) reported on the investiture of Alderman Hopkin Morgan with ‘the Mayoral robes, chain of office, together with the golden key of Neath Castle, for the fourth time.’
This photograph in the South Wales Evening Post of 10th November 1934 shows the handing of the key from the outgoing Mayor to the new Mayor, Councillor T Cole.
South Wales Evening Post - 10th November 1934
A later report on 10th November 1936 in the Western Mail & South Wales News describes the presentation of the ‘gold key to Neath Castle which forms part of the insignia of the borough’. The castle itself is described as ‘long being in ruins and hidden behind rows of small houses’ [Castle Street], although the key was presumably in a better condition.
Following the timeline of these articles it was fascinating to see changes in social attitudes: the rise and fall of political parties, women being featured in the reports, and finally even elected as Mayor. The first woman to be elected Mayor of Neath was Hilda Howells in 1964, closely followed by Mary Moule the following year. However, it was not until 1986 that the third woman was appointed Mayor, being Mrs Iris Hobbs.
It was Mrs Hobbs who provides us with our final definite record of the key, when she handed it over to the incoming Mayor for 1987-88, Mr Harold Thomas. Photographed for the Neath Guardian of 29th May 1987, the key is seen in a handsome presentation box and we are told that ‘the presentation of the key is a traditional feature of the installation of the new Mayor of Neath’.
South Wales Evening Post - 21st May 1986
Neath Guardian – 29th May 1987
(This photograph was the only one found that actually features the key)
So, where is the key now?
This is a fascinating question, and one for which there is an answer. After contacting Neath Town Council, the Town Clerk was able to confirm that the key existed and was with Neath Town memorabilia. The author being given permission to view the key.
As in the last newspaper photograph, it is kept in a presentation box of blue ‘leather’. The key looks worn, but the wording on both sides is visible. The coin or medal in the middle has wording on both sides. On the ‘front’ can be read SIGILLVM COME VILLA DE NETH surrounding images of a double turreted tower and buildings. This is a close variant of the motto that appears on the common seal of Neath that can be seen above the entrance to Neath General Market.
The ‘reverse’ side is inscribed ‘Neath Old Castle Key handed to ES Phillips Esq. Mayor of Neath at the opening ceremony on 1st August 1907 and to be passed down to his successors in the Mayoralty’.
The name of Davies & Sons Jewellers Neath appears on the blue velvet lining of the box.
The key to the castle in its box
Market Entrance
Finally, it seems that the key has not been used as part of the Mayor Making Ceremony in Neath for some time, but perhaps following this interest it may return to become part of this traditional ceremony.
Note
Naturally, the castle itself would not have had a door opened by a key. This gold-plated ceremonial key was quite possibly capable of opening the gated entrance to the castle grounds that stood in Castle Street on the right of the Wesley Chapel (Moose Hall). It is unlikely to fit the gate in the railings that were installed later and that still exist today.
Entrance gates to Neath Castle and grounds in Castle Street c.1960s
