SerpApi.Org
A 19th Century tollgate building with links to a series of historic riots in Wales during the 1800s is set to go under the hammer at auction.
The Rebecca Riots were a series of protests against conditions in the rural areas of Wales between 1839 and 1843 led by men with blackened faces disguised as women. It was one of the most tumultuous periods in Welsh history.
The Gate House in Llannon, near Llanelli in Carmarthenshire, was the former money collecting building for the tolls, but was later turned into a two-bedroom detached cottage.
The property will be on sale online and has a guide price of £69,000.
Angie Davey, of Paul Fosh Auctions, said the historic building could have an interesting future - if less revolutionary than its past.
Davey added: "Given the wealth of tourism in the area this unusual and historic toll gate property, steeped in vibrant local history and to be sold with vacant possession, could make a lucrative holiday let or rental investment."
The property was built in the 19th Century by the Three Commotts Turnpike Trust, a prominent toll road operator in Carmarthenshire.
Along with many others in the country, the toll house was constructed to collect money for the upkeep of local roads, and became the target of the Rebecca protest movement.
Tollgate properties were targeted across the country due to severe agricultural depression, poor harvests, and poverty.
Hard-pressed farmers and laborers would darken their faces and dress in traditional women's clothes of the time to attack various tollgates in protest of "unreasonable" levies charges.
They went by the name of Merched Beca which translates from Welsh as Rebecca's Daughters.
The riots were mainly confined to the old counties of Pembrokeshire, Cardiganshire and Carmarthenshire, with only one incident in north Wales.
The riots ceased prior to 1844 due to several factors, including increased troop levels, a desire by the protestors to avoid violence, and the appearance of criminal groups using the guise of the biblical character Rebecca for their own purposes.
In 1844 an Act of Parliament to consolidate and amend the laws relating to turnpike trusts in Wales was passed.
The property includes two two reception rooms, a kitchen/dining room, bathroom and two bedrooms.
There is also a secluded lawned garden to the rear with an outbuilding and parking space for two cars.
The community of Llannon contains Llannon village, Tumble and Cross Hands, and has recorded a population of 5,369 according to the 2021 Census.
The property will be on sale with Paul Fosh Auctions at 12:00 BST on Tuesday, 28 July. The auction ends at 12:00 on Thursday, 30 July.
