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

LLANGWM (LLAN-GWM), a parish in the hundred of RHÔS, county of PEMBROKE, SOUTH WALES, 5 miles (S.E. by S.) from Haverfordwest, containing 697 inhabitants. This parish, the name of which signifies "the church in the vale," is pleasantly situated on the western bank of Milford Haven, about the same distance from Pembroke as from Haverfordwest. Great Nash, formerly the residence of the family of Owen, now of Orielton, and long noted for its hospitality, is now deserted by its proprietor, and in ruins. Dumpledale, the seat of Mrs. Jordan, is a handsome modern mansion, very pleasantly situated, and commanding a fine view of Milford Haven. At the village, which extends along the shore, is a horse ferry to the parish of Coedcanlais. The inhabitants are principally engaged in a lucrative oyster fishery, the produce of which is generally sold at two shillings per bushel (Winchester measure), to dealers from the coast of Kent, more especially to those of Chatham and Rochester, by whom they are taken away in sloops for the supply of the London market: the average annual amount of the profits of this fishery is about £2000, and in good seasons it frequently exceeds £3000. Coal and culm are found here in great abundance: the mines are worked by Sir John Owen, Bart., who is the principal proprietor, and the produce is shipped at Hook Quay, for the supply of the neighbouring districts. The living is a discharged rectory, in the archdeaconry and diocese of St. David's, rated in the king's books at £7. 12. 11, endowed with £200 parliamentary grant, and in the patronage of Mrs. Owen Barlow. The church, dedicated to St. Hierom, is a spacious and venerable structure, in the early style of English architecture, and contains some ancient monuments, among which are several to the memory of the family of Roch. There is a place of worship for Methodists. George Roch, Esq., in 1707, bequeathed a small rent-charge for the instruction of poor children. The average annual expenditure for the support of the poor is £190. 11.

Gareth Hicks, 29 Dec 1999