National Schools and School House, Abergwili, Carmarthenshire

This is a design by Mr Withers in a late Third-Pointed style, in accordance with the wishes of the Bishop of St David’s, whose palace it faces, and who is the chief contributor to its cost. The estimate is for £1,000. The plan comprises a boys’ school-room, 60 feet by 20 feet, opening at one end at right angles to a girls’ school-room, 48 feet 6 inches by 20 feet. There are two class-rooms and separate entrance porches, cloak rooms and offices. The arrangement is very good and the style is very judiciously treated. [Ecclesiologist April 1864 page 116]

ABERGWILI, CARMARTHEN. TO BUILDERS AND OTHERS. Persons desirous of submitting Tenders for the several works required to be done in BUILDING NEW NATIONAL SCHOOLS, CLASS ROOMS, and OFFICES complete, on the site of the present Schools at Abergwili, near Carmarthen, are informed that the Drawings and Specifications will be for inspection at the Post Office, Abergwili, from Thursday, 12th February, to Saturday, 28th, inclusive. Tenders on forma supplied, to be delivered by post, pre- paid, addressed to the Architect, Mr R. J. WITHERS, 51, Doughty-street, London, W.C., on or before Monday, 2nd March, and of whom further particulars may be obtained. The lowest or any Tender will not necessarily be accepted. W. E. James, Vicar of Abergwili. Abergwili, Carmarthen, 28th January, 1863. [The Welshman, Carmarthen, 30 January 1863 page 4]

ABERGWILI - For the several works required to be done in building new national schools, class rooms, and offices, complete, on the site of the present schools at Abergwili, near Carmarthen. The drawings and specifications will lie for inspection at the Black Ox Inn, Abergwili, from Thursday, 12th February, to Saturday, 28th, inclusive. Tenders, on forms supplied, to be delivered, by post prepaid, addressed to the architect, Mr. R. J. Withers, 51, Doughty-street, London, W.C., on or before Monday, 2nd March, and of whom further particulars may be obtained. [Building News 7 February 1863 page 171]

Reference    Ecclesiologist April 1864 page 116 new schools
Reference    The Welshman, Carmarthen, 30 January 1863 page 4 – contracts
Reference    Building News 7 February 1863 page 171
Reference    Building News 20 February 1863 page 151
Reference    Building News 13 March 1863 page 208 – tenders
Reference    C576077 Malcolm Seaborne School Drawings Collection.    Photocopies of elevations and ground plan of National School at Abergwili. The plans are signed by R. J. Withers, Architect, 1864.