Llanmadog - Gazetteers

Extract from A Topographical Dictionary of Wales (1833) by Samuel Lewis.

"LLANDMADOCK, a parish in the hundred of SWANSEA, county of GLAMORGAN, SOUTH WALES, 15 miles (W.) from Swansea, containing 240 inhabitants.

This parish is situated on Whitford harbour, at the mouth of the Burry river. The most striking feature on its surface is Llanmadock hill, generally considered as the highest point in the peninsula of Gower, which is a well-known landmark to mariners off this part of the coast, and the view from which is extensive and magnificently grand, comprising the whole of the peninsula of Gower, the entire course of the Loughor or Burry river, from Pontardulas to its mouth, the luxuriant woods of Penrice castle, the lofty and precipitous cliffs which form the eastern side of Oxwich bay, with the vast expanse of sea beyond, the Devon and Cornish hills in the distance, and the coasts of Pembrokeshire and Carmarthenshire.

The village extends about half a mile along the base of the hill : the land in the parish is chiefly enclosed and in a good state of cultivation. This place carries on a considerable trade in coal and limestone, in which about thirty vessels, varying in burden from twelve to twenty tons, are employed : in these vessels the coal is brought from Loughor and Llanelly, and the limestone conveyed to the counties of Devon and Cornwall.

The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry of Carmarthen, and diocese of St. David's, rated in the king's books at £9, and in the patronage of the King, as Prince of Wales. The church is dedicated to St. Madoc, the son of Gildas, a saint in Gower. There is a place of worship for Welsh Calvinistic Methodists.

On Llanmadock hill are traces of an ancient encampment, comprising a nearly circular area of about four acres, defended by triple ramparts, and commanding the entrance of the Burry river.

The average annual expenditure for the support of the poor is £ 19. 5."

Llanmadog - Lewis 1833 [Last Updated : 11 Oct 2002 - Gareth Hicks]