LLANFYRNACH - from Lewis' Topographical Dictionary of Wales (1833)

LLANVYRNACH (LLAN-VRYNACH), a parish in the hundred of KEMMES, county of PEMBROKE, SOUTH WALES, 8 miles (S.W.) from Newcastle-Emlyn, containing 979 inhabitants. This parish, which derives its name from the dedication of its church, is situated in the north eastern part of the county, bordering upon Carmarthenshire, and comprises an extensive tract of land, of which the greater portion is enclosed and cultivated. The surrounding scenery, though not characterized by any peculiarity of feature, is generally pleasing and in some instances picturesque: the soil, though inferior in fertility to that of other parts of the county, is not unproductive. An extensive common, connected with Precelly mountain, rises to the west of the village, but an enclosure of land was made in the parish a few years ago. On the banks of the river Tâf, and at no great distance from its source, are some extensive lead mines, which were formerly worked with great success; but for some years the works have been suspended. The living is a discharged rectory, in the arch-deaconry of Cardigan, and diocese of St. David's, rated in the king's books at £10, and in the patronage of the King, as Prince of Wales. The church, dedicated to St. Brynach, is not remarkable for any architectural details of importance. There are places of worship for Baptists and Presbyterians. On the common above the church are four large erect stones, visible at a great distance, marking out, according to tradition, the graves of two chieftains who were slain in a desperate battle which is said to have been fought near that spot: and near the church is a large tumulus, which is supposed to have been surmounted by a castle, or fort, to defend the pass. There are several mineral springs within the parish but their peculiar properties have not been ascertained. The average annual expenditure for the maintenance of the poor is £194. 9.

Gareth Hicks, 29 Dec 1999