Llanwnnen - Extract from 'A Topographical Dictionary of Wales' by Samuel Lewis 1833

"LLANWNNEN (LLAN-WNEN), a parish in the upper division of the hundred of MOYTHEN, county of CARDIGAN, SOUTH WALES, 3 1/4miles (W. by S.) from Lampeter, containing 328 inhabitants. This parish is bounded on the south by the river Teivy, and is intersected by the Granell, which flows into the Vale of Teivy, to its confluence with the superior stream, and on the turnpike road from, Lampeter to Cardigan. The surrounding scenery is beautifully picturesque, and the views of the adjacent country comprehend many objects of interest and features of pleasing character. On the bank of the Granell is a moated mound, called Castell Dû which was probably crowned with a fort for defending the river and the pass of the vale, but which now serves only to give name to the farm on which it is situated; and there is also a small encampment on the hill. In a field attached to a farm, called Cevn Llew Trêv, some curious silver coins were dug up a few years since. About a mile from the turnpike road, and in the vale of the Granell, is Llwyn y Groes, the deserted seat of the family of Jones of Neuadd, in the adjoining parish. The mansion, which is spacious and handsome, is finely situated in the midst of flourishing plantations, and the grounds comprehend much beautiful scenery. A fair is held on December 13th. The living is a discharged vicarage, with which that of Silian is consolidated, in the archdeaconry of Cardigan, and diocese of St. David's, rated in the king's books at £3.4.9 ½ endowed with £400 royal bounty, and £400 parliamentary grant, and in the patronage of the Bishop, to whom two-thirds of the tithes are appropriated, the other third belonging to the vicar. The church, dedicated to St. Gwynin, is a small edifice, without either tower or spire, and possessing no architectural details of importance. There is a place of worship for Unitarians. The average annual expenditure for the maintenance of the poor is £ 159."

[Gareth Hicks: 11 December 1999]