| Background | The Borough of Kenfig (Glamorgan) was founded in the early 12th century; the earliest surviving charter dates to c. 1396. The borough suffered from the encroachment of sand dunes, and was forced to move to Pyle in 1471. The borough ahd several courts. The Court Leet and View of Frankpledge was held bi-annually in May and October, with responsibility for the administration of justice in the borough and the election of officials. The Court Baron and Court of Pleas were held monthly before the portreeve. The courts fell into decay with the rise of county courts. Before the Reform Act 1832, Kenfig Borough joined the boroughs of Cardiff, Cowbridge, Llantrisant, Aberavon, Neath, Swansea and Loughor to send a member to parliament. Subsequently, the Borough formed part of the Swansea parliamentary district, and later the Aberavon district. The ancient borough virtually came to an end when its corporation was dissolved in 1886 as a result of the Municipal Corporations Act 1883. The Charity Commissioners empowered to deal with its affairs set up the Kenfig Corporation Property, formed of a committee of twelve people (including representatives from local authorities) charged with the administration of the Borough property. Under a new scheme of management issued by the Charity Commissioners in 1998 the Kenfig Corporation Property was renamed the Kenfig Corporation Trust. |
| Description | Records of the Borough of Kenfig, [c. 1396]-1998, includes: charters and transcripts, [c. 1396]-1886; ordinances of the town, 1550-1800; survey, [1661]; minutes of the various courts, suit rolls, account books, 1742-1886; admissions of burgesses, 1774-1837; and records of Kenfig Corporation Property and Kenfig Corporation Trust, 1923-2003. |