Bath family (19th century)

Blazon Shield: Gules, a chevron paly of six Argent and Or between three plates; on a chief or three wolves' heads erased Sable. Crest: A wolf's head erased Sable gorged with a collar Vair, holding in the mouth a rose slipped Proper. Motto: Habere et dispertire.

The Bath family originated in Cornwall but established itself in Swansea in 1816 with the arrival of Henry Bath (1776-1844). He became a major copper merchant with his own wharf and storage yard with smelting facilities in Swansea. His company, Henry Bath & Sons Ltd, later diversitied into shipping to transport its copper ores. The company moved out of family control in 1923 but still exists, based in Liverpool and specializing in global commodities, warehousing and logistics.

In 1796, while still living in Falmouth, Henry Bath married Elizabeth Paddy (1776-1844). When they moved to Swansea they lived at Rosehill in Mumbles. Their elder son, also called Henry (1797-1864), arrived in Swansea from Birmingham in 1818 to help run his father's business and became sole proprietor on his father's death in 1844. He made his home at Longlands (the site is now occupied by Swansea YMCA). He married twice : firstly to Susan Madge, and secondly to Marian Osler, and had twelve children, inluding three sons who inherited the business on his death: Henry James (1821-1875), Edward (1824-1885) and Charles (1832-1888). Henry James and Charles (1832-1888). The running of the business fell primarily to Henry James and Charles, while Edward concentrated on his father-in-lw's copper smelting business.

The family played its part in Swansea's public affairs, holding public office and supporting charitable endeavours. Charles Bath was Mayor of Swansea 1863-64. Henry James had Alltyferin, Llanegwad, Carmarthenshire built in in c.1865-69, and the house remained in the family until it was sold in 1923.

The Bath coat of arms was granted in 1868 to Henry James Bath with remainder to the descendants of his father (i.e. inheritance of the arms would proceed as if they had been granted to Henry of Longlands). In the event, neither Henry James nor Charles had children so the arms have passed solely to Edward's descendants.