Further research planned on links with Sir Thomas Picton

Further research is due to be undertaken into the county borough’s historical links with the controversial Governor of Trinidad, Sir Thomas Picton.

Once the research has been completed by a local historian, the findings will be considered alongside the conclusions of a Welsh Government national review looking into Wales’ historic monuments, statues, street names and public buildings.

It follows national protests and demonstrations held earlier in the year as part of the Black Lives Matter movement in which local authorities were asked to consider which statues, memorials, buildings, parks, playing fields and streets may have links with individuals criticised as part of the protests.

A report discussed by Bridgend County Borough Council’s equalities committee outlines how there are eight streets – three in Bridgend, two in Porthcawl, two in Kenfig Hill and one in Nantyffyllon – linked to the name Picton. It also identifies two potential sources for this, Trinidad Governor Sir Thomas Picton and Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Picton-Turberville, a former owner of Ewenny Priory.

With the research to date not having been able to definitively confirm how the streets were named, or whether they are connected to Sir Thomas Picton, further work will now be undertaken by a historian to verify the information.

The report further outlines how an existing legal process is in place to support residents who wish to apply to have a street name changed.

This takes into account issues such as appropriate consultation with residents and affected businesses, the Royal Mail and local town and community councils, making necessary changes to official documents such as mortgage deeds and more.

The Equalities committee discussed the report on Monday, August 24.