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

"LLANYCHAIARN  (LLAN - LLWCHAIARN), a parish in the lower division of the hundred of ILAR county of CARDIGAN, SOUTH WALES, 1 Mile (S.) from Aberystwith, containing 688 inhabitants. This parish is bounded on the west by the bay of Cardigan, and on the north and east by the river Ystwith; and the road from Aberystwith to Cardigan passes through it from north to south, crossing the Ystwith by a romantic bridge, from which there is a fine view up its vale, with the remains of the ancient fortress of Llanychaiarn castle in the foreground. There are some pleasing residences in the parish, the principal of which is Tan y bwlch, the residence of Matthew Davies, Esq., son of the late General Davies. The living is a perpetual curacy, in the archdeaconry of Cardigan, and diocese of St. David's, endowed with £ 600 royal bounty, and in the patronage of J. P. B. Chichester, Esq. The church, dedicated to St. Llwchaiarn, was erected as a chapel to the rectory of Llanbadarn Vawr of which parish this formed a part, the inhabitants still contributing to the repair of part of the body of that church: it is an ancient structure, delightfully situated on the banks of the river Ystwith, being distinguished within by an air of neatness and comfort: the porch is a good specimen of early English architecture, and there are several interesting monuments. A handsome monument will shortly be erected to the memory of General Davies, who greatly distinguished himself in the peninsular war, particularly on the plains of Salamanca, and whose remains were deposited in a vault in this church. At Blaenplwyv, at the southern extremity of the parish, there is a place of worship for Calvinistic Methodists. A school-house has been erected at a place called Chancery, at the expense of the inhabitants, for the instruction of boys and girls, who pay a small quarterage. Llanychaiarn castle, of which there are but few remains, stood on the eastern bank of the Ystwith. The average annual expenditure for the maintenance of the poor is £235.4."

[Gareth Hicks: 11 December 1999]