A section of 1830 OS map in the vicinity of Penarth Head. "Cwtsh-y-Cwm" is spelt incorrectly by the cartographer, it should be Cwtch-y-Cwm" and is the "pill", or inlet, close-by the Penarth Head Inn. The Cogan Pill is clearly indicated further up the river Ely. [010]
The Pill has been used as a harbour for ages and trade with Spain is mentioned when the London ship "Valentine" put into the Pill laden with a cargo of wine, salt, alum and tunny from Andalucia. In 1538 during Henry VIII reign, a Star Chamber record recounts events. The Earl of Worcester, Constable of the Castle, was charged with tyrannous behaviour toward Richard Howe, the master and owner of the ship. The Earl's agent, Walter Herbert, seized the ship and cargo claiming that they had failed to pay dues. [220]
