Abereirch (Aber-Erch) - From 'A Topographical Dictionary of Wales' (1849) ABEREIRCH (ABER-ERCH), a parish, in the union of Pwllheli, partly in the hundred of Dinllaen, and partly in the hundred of Eivionedd, county of Carnarvon, North Wales, 1½ mile (E. N. E.) from Pwllheli; containing 1613 inhabitants. This parish, extending six miles in length, and about four in breadth, is pleasantly situated on the sea-shore, near the mouth of the river Eirch, from which it received its name; and on the road from Tremadoc to Pwllheli. It is bounded on the north by the parish of Denio, on the east by Llanarmon, and on the south and west by the sea; and comprises by computation about 6000 acres, consisting chiefly of good arable and pasture land: the soil is light, and suited to the growth of oats and barley, which constitute the chief produce. The lands are destitute of wood, with the exception of two or three extensive plantations in the upper part of the parish. The most considerable mansion is Hendrev. The village, which is small, is very pleasantly situated in the midst of agreeable and picturesque scenery, ornamented with several well-built and genteel houses.
The living is a vicarage, with that of Penrhôs annexed, rated in the king's books at £6, endowed with £600 royal bounty, and £600 parliamentary grant; present net income, £96; patron, the Bishop of Bangor, who is lord of the manor. The tithes of Abereirch have been commuted for £435 payable to Lord Newborough, and £76 to the vicar. The church, dedicated to St. Cawrdav, is an ancient and spacious building, in the later style of English architecture, twenty-six yards in length, and thirteen in breadth, consisting of a nave, north aisle, and chancel. The two eastern windows, which are enriched with elegant tracery, have been ornamented with stained glass. A very ancient monument in the church, consisting of a figure in armour, has not been much noticed by any writer: it is situated at the north side of the altar, forming the bottom of a pew, and without any inscription attached; but there is an intimation in the MSS. of the celebrated Robert Vaughan, now in the library of Sir Robert Vaughan of Nannau, in Merionethshire, that the tomb of Thomas de Pyveliston or Puleston is at Abereirch. Here are several places of worship for dissenters, and seven Sunday schools, one of which is held in the church. Two tenements, and three acres of land, were bequeathed for the use of the poor, by the Rev. Mr. Conway, incumbent in 1724, now producing £3. 10. per annum, which, with £4 arising from other charitable donations and bequests, are annually distributed on St. Thomas' day.
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