MY SISTER Mary recently sent me a cutting from a newspaper called “Y Drych”, which caters for Welsh people in America.
I thought it might some people might find it interesting.
For me it brought memories as my parents were “cow keepers” in Anfield, Liverpool, in the 1930s. They finished in 1943 when we moved back to North Wales at Tan y Bryn farm, Cefn Meiriadog.
The Welsh in the London milk trade
FROM the mid 1800s, the London milk trade has been predominantly operated by the Welsh as they were the few with the knowledge, strength and conviction to earn a living in the city in this difficult field.
“Dairy fanners” kept cows behind their shops and Welsh “milkmaids” became familiar in every street.
The milk was collected twice daily by several Welsh girls and taken out into the city streets for sale. The milk was taken in two tin pails carried out on a yoke weighing sometimes up to 130lbs, across the “milk walk” route, usually a few miles long.
The milkmaids went about their work in a cheerful manner, often calling out through the market squares for casual customers to buy their “milk below”.
A city milk maid, around 1900
By 1900, half the dairies in London were Welsh, and in 1950 there were well over 700 Welsh dairies; but modern commercialism has destroyed most of the trade - today there are only a handful of the Welsh dairies left.
Morgan’s Dairy began in 1894 and continues today from their original premises in Fulham as one of the few flourishing Welsh independent dairies remaining in London.
Brothers Gareth and Geraint Morgan and their grandson Hywel operate the family business and pride themselves on their quality of service, which still includes doorstep delivery for their Fulham cliental. (Morgan’s Dairy, 67 Aspenlea Rd, London W6: 0207 3857715; www.morgansdairy.co.uk.)
Jones Dairy still offer a wide range of fresh organic cheeses although it’s best known today for their stellar breakfast cafe menu.
This site was a Welsh dairy from 1902 and cows were milked on the premises until 1932. After the death of Mr Jones, his widow converted the dairy into a cafe which thrives especially on a Sunday, thanks to the nearby flower market. (Jones Cafe, 23 Ezra Street, Bethnal Green, London E2; 0207 7395372; www.jonesdairy.co.uk. Opened only: Fri-Sat 9am-3pm Sun 8am-2pm.)
Lloyd’s Dairy in Finsbury became Naturally Myddeltons organic grocery shop on December 2005, after almost 100 years as a Welsh dairy.
The new owners have redecorated the interior but are keen to keep the unique former style of Lloyd’s intact.
Part of the shop still specialises in and promotes Welsh organic produce. (Naturally Myddeltons, 42 Amwell St, Finsbury, London EC1R 1XT; 020 7837 4131.)
