The wonderful weather has kept me outdoors until a few minutes ago, and I was surprised when I switched on my computer just now to find some really helpful and interesting responses to my query about Colliery Row from MON list members. You have pointed out so many avenues for me to explore. I was interested to see that there were only 3 cottages in Colliery Row. The person I have an interest in was a William CORDEY who was living as a lodger with the BACON family, who, as far as I know, were not connected to any ancestors of mine - (but you never know!) Huw has helped me before and as usual has provided me with a wealth of information which will take some time to absorb. Steve has helped me previously when I contacted the list about Cwm Byr Farm, but I hadn't realised that there was a colliery of the same name until now. I would be interested in finding out more about that. The map showing the position of the row of cottages was very helpful as was the explanation of the parish/administrative area of Machen Lower including the area over the mountain to the river Ebbw. When I was a child living near Pontypool I had no idea that any of my ancestors were from the Risca area and now I find I have an interest in the names MORRIS, MORGAN, THOMAS, COLE, KENVYN, as well as CORDEY, and it amazes me that I must have passed the places where they all lived many times as I used to get off the Western Welsh bus at Pontymister crossing to walk over the mountain to Lower Machen village and on to the village of Draethen to visit relatives. Thanks again to everyone who replied to my query, I appreciate your interest and help very much, Judith