Merthyr Tydfil County Court Records

Summonses and judicial proceedings for recovery of debts 1871-1970, default in recovery actions 1957-1969; bankruptcy orders and notices for recovery of debts 1884-1894, 1905-1986; cause books 1940-1977; funds ledger 1945-1956; orders and petitions registers 1912-1992 under the Companies (Winding-Up) Act 1890; proceedings 1924-1974 under Tithe Act 1891; registers of proceedings 1949-1991 under Workmen's Compensation Act 1925 and cash books 1924-1934; suits and proceedings in equity 1929-1968; files relating to Pneumoconiosis and Byssinosis Benefit Scheme 1952-1964; petitions and plaints c.1926-1951 under Workmen's Compensation Act; files relating to particular actions 1871-1950; Judges and Registrar's notebooks relating to Workmen's Compensation Act, bankruptcy, divorce settlements etc., 1937-1966.

County Courts were established under an Act for the more easy recovery of Small Debts and Demands 1846 in Wales (and England). Each area was divided into court districts which did not necessarily coincide with county boundaries. These courts were also given jurisdiction over insolvency under the Bankruptcy Act 1846; jurisdiction over bankruptcy by the Bankruptcy Act 1869 was granted to those courts approved by the Lord Chancellor. Merthyr Tydfil County Court appears to have been established under this Act. A number of other functions were acquired by County Courts, including jurisdiction in certain property cases, leasehold actions, the winding-up of companies (under the Companies Act 1867), child adoption cases and, notably, workmen's compensation under the Workmen's Compensation Act, 1925. Most of this particular function was transferred by the National Insurance (Industrial Injuries) Act 1946 to national insurance tribunals. Since 1973, county courts have co-operated in an informal arbitration scheme for small claims of money

Items containing information on named individuals may be restricted in accordance with the Data Protection Act and GA policy.

Merthyr Tydfil Magistrates Court

Poor condition - some items may be unavailable for production

Compiled by Richard Morgan for the Glamorgan Archives, with reference to Patrick Polden, A history of the County Court 1846-1971 (Cambridge University Press); Surrey History Centre collections catalogue; and Cheshire and Chester Archives and Local Studies Service: County Courts catalogue. Sep 2009. Amended by Louise Cordery, May 2010.

Normal Glamorgan Archives conditions apply.

All records which meet the collection policy of the Glamorgan Archives have been retained.

The records remained in the custody of the depositor until transferred to the Glamorgan Record Office.

Accruals are not expected.

Records of Bridgend County Court (ref. ABR; formerly DCCB), 1878-1969.