Clase in the Parish of Llangyfelach

"CLAS-LOWER, a hamlet, in the parish of LLANGYVELACH, partly within the new limits of the borough of SWANSEA, and partly in the hundred of LLANGYVELACH, county of GLAMORGAN, SOUTH WALES, 3 miles (N.) from Swansea, containing 4251 inhabitants, the population having increased more than seventy-five per cent. since the census of 1821. Morriston, a considerable and thriving village, with a large population employed in the copper-works, is situated in this hamlet, but is described under its appropriate head. The Swansea canal, part of which, called Morris' canal, was constructed at the expense of the Duke of Beaufort, who receives the tolls, passes close to the village, between it and the Tawy, and hence pursues its course through the rest of the hamlet, both that river and the canal being crossed by bridges on the road leading to the town of Neath. The bridge over the Tawy, called Wych Tree Bridge, from a tree of that description which grew near its eastern end, is admired for its lightness and elegance: it consists of one arch, ninety feet in the span, with cylindrical holes in the abutments, and was executed by Mr. Edwards, the celebrated architect of Pont y Pridd. Clasemont, late the seat of Sir John Morris, situated within a short distance northwest of the village, has been recently taken down. There are, however, numerous other respectable residences scattered over the hamlet, which is in general well wooded, and presents many agreeable rides and walks, especially along the banks of the canal and the vale of the Tawy. Coal is found here in abundance. This hamlet is assessed separately for the maintenance of its poor: the average annual expenditure is £344. 4." [A Topographical Dictionary of Wales by Samuel Lewis 1833 © Mel Lockie 2016]

"CLAS-HIGHER, a hamlet, in the parish and hundred of LLANGYVELACH, county of GLAMORGAN, SOUTH WALES, 5 miles (N.) from Swansea, containing 531 inhabitants. It is separately assessed for the maintenance of its poor: the average annual expenditure is £215. 18." [A Topographical Dictionary of Wales by Samuel Lewis 1833 © Mel Lockie 2016]