In 1762 the Townhill and Burrows Enclosure Act created a new swathe of agricultural land from what had formerly been open common land. The idea of enclosure is first mentioned in 1760 in the Hall Day Minute Books of the body of burgesses who served as the town council before 1835. The idea was supported by Gabriel Powell who presented it to the Duke of Beaufort, the lord of the borough. The venture would have been impossible without his support and he was to receive 150 acres of the best land on the hill, plus mineral rights which turned out to be quite extensive in the actual Act itself.

Once enclosed, the land was allocated to those burgesses who expressed an interest. It was not particularly good agricultural land and “steep land facing the sea to the north of Terrace Road was without a tenant for some time” (Robins 1990 p.12). This may have included what later became Notts Gardens? Roads across the land were also laid out replacing former farm tracks such as Townhill Road and hedges to define the new boundaries were established.

“Excellent market garden within one mile of Swansea To Be let, for a Term with immediate possession if required.

That excellent market garden, known by the name of Cwm Gwynne, containing about 16 acres, together with the meadow adjoining, about 4 acres. The Garden, which has been planted about four years, has a first-rate connexion with Swansea Market and contains a great variety of the choicest young fruit trees.

The crops together with Two Horses, Carts, Ploughs, Harrows and other implements, to be taken at valuation.

For further particulars apply to Mrs Crole, No. 2 Oxford St, Swansea.”

This advert shows that a market gardening business was already established at Cwm Gwyn, adjacent to the land that became Notts Gardens. The Tithe Map of 1843 showed that Cwm Gwyn owned the Notts Gardens land also so it is not inconceivable that it was included in the acreage mentioned on the advert.

Mrs Crole had placed a notice in the Cambrian back in 1841 as follows:

“Having disposed of the Nursery Business formerly carried on by her Deceased Husband, and lately by herself, to Mr William White, in retiring from the same, begs to return her most sincere acknowledgements to the Nobility, Gentry and Inhabitents of Swansea and its vicinity, for the liberal support received from them for many years… and also begs to inform them that the Market Gardening Business will be carried on by her as usual. No.2, Oxford St, March 5th 1841”.

Clearly she had now decided to also dispose of the Market Garden business.

p. 30: Nott, George, nursery man, Cwm Donkin

p. 71 (under Nurserymen and Florists) Nott, George, Cwm Donkin.

At present the land surrounding the Cwmdonkin reservoir is waste. The hedges on the upper side are in so dilapidated a condition that cattle may get through and trespass on the fields.

On the 10th July, there is reference to “adjacent to the property the Corporation has some valuable land, now on lease but difficult of access” - is this Notts Gardens? Also,  if the council purchased 5 ½ acres from James Walters, “they would get a carriage-road made through the five acres to come out to the Terrace Road a little below Notts Gardens” and this would enhance building land.

p. 177: Private Residents Directory = Nott, G. Cwmdonkin House, Ffynone.
p. 234: Nott, George, potato merchant, Richardson St (off St. Helens Road)
Nott, John, fruiterer, 7 Calvert St
Nott, John, joiner, 54 Garden St