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

MANERDIVY (MAENOR-DEIVI), a parish in the hundred of KÎLGERRAN, county of PEMBROKE, SOUTH WALES, 6 miles (W.N.W.) from Newcastle-Emlyn, containing 850 inhabitants. This parish is pleasantly situated on the river Teivy, at the north-eastern extremity of the county, bordering upon Cardiganshire, and is intersected by the turnpike road leading from Newcastle-Emlyn to Cardigan. It comprises a considerable tract of arable and pasture land, which is enclosed and in a good state of cultivation: the surface is finely undulated, and the surrounding scenery, which is enriched with thriving plantations, and enlivened by the course of the river, is generally pleasing and in many parts picturesque. The vicinity is ornamented with several gentlemen's seats and the adjoining country, which is richly wooded, affords some fine views of the vales of Teivy and Cych, abounding with features of' romantic beauty. Pentre, formerly the seat of the ancient family of Saunders, and now, by marriage of the heiress of that family with the father of the present proprietor, the property of D. Saunders Davies, Esq., is a handsome and substantial modern edifice, erected on the site of the old mansion, and embosomed in flourishing plantations: the grounds, notwithstanding that they retain to a considerable degree the ancient style, are finely laid out, and, from their elevated situation command some interesting and extensive views, embracing part of the beautiful Vale of Teivy, the town of Cardigan, and the Irish sea in the distance. Fynonau, anciently the property of the Morgans of Blaenbylan, who sold it to Captain Stephen Colby, R.N., uncle of the present proprietor, John Colby, Esq., is an elegant modern mansion, erected from a design by Mr. Nash, and beautifully situated in groves and plantations: the grounds comprehend some rural and romantic scenery, and command some beautiful and extensive prospects. Clynview, the seat of T. Lewis, Esq., is also a handsome residence pleasingly situated, and embellished with scenery of interesting character. Some tinworks were formerly established here, from which a canal communicated with the Teivy below Llêchrhyd bridge, to which place that river is navigable for small craft. The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry of Cardigan, and diocese of St. David's, rated in the king books at £9, and in the patronage of the King, as Prince of Wales. The church, dedicated to St. David, is a small neat edifice, situated near the river, but not remarkable for any architectural features. There was formerly a chapel of ease at Cîlvawr, in this parish; but it has been in ruins for many years. The tithes of this part of the parish belong to W.O. Brigstocke, Esq., of Blaenpant. Dr. Erasmus Saunders, rector of Morton in the Marsh, author of "Short Illustrations of the Bible," and an excellent tract on the duties of families, was born at Pentre, in this parish. The average annual expenditure for the relief of the poor is £231. 16.

Gareth Hicks, 30 Dec 1999