Burton - From 'A Topographical Dictionary of Wales' (1849) BURTON, a parish, in the hundred of Rhôs, union and county of Pembroke, South Wales, 3 miles (N.) from Pembroke, on the road from that town to Haverfordwest by Burton Ferry; containing 846 inhabitants. This parish is situated on Milford Haven, and abounds with scenery in every part pleasing, and occasionally picturesque. Among the most interesting objects in the vicinity are the remains of Burton Castle, on the western shore of the Haven, probably erected by some of the Normans, as a border fortress for the protection of the territory which they had acquired on this part of the coast. It does not appear to have been of very great extent; the ruins, however, have a truly picturesque appearance, consisting principally of a lofty round tower, which, rising above the thriving plantations in the vicinity, forms a conspicuous feature in the landscape. The parish comprises 3394 acres, of which 248 are common or waste. The living is a rectory, rated in the king's books at £15. 12. 11., and in the patronage of Earl Cawdor for two turns, and Sir John Owen, Bart., for one; Earl Cawdor presented at the last vacancy, in 1832, and has also the next presentation. The tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £216, with a glebe of 40¼ acres, valued at £60 per annum, and a handsome and commodious parsonage-house, erected by the Rev. D. Bird Allen, the late incumbent. The church is a neat plain building, with a square tower at the west end. There are two places of worship for Baptists, and one for Wesleyan Methodists. J. H. Philipps, Esq., of Williamston, in the parish, has lately erected a very neat schoolroom for the education of poor children; the school is partly supported by that gentleman, partly by subscription, and partly by schoolpence. Three or four Sunday schools are also maintained in the parish, one of them in connexion, like the day school, with the Established Church. A rentcharge of £3 was bequeathed by Mr. Morgan Bowen, in 1776, but the donation proved ineffective under the provisions of the Mortmain Act. About 7½ acres of land called St. Andrew's Park, yielding a rent of £8, are regarded as church land, and the rent applied accordingly. Burton Ferry, which is also called Pembroke Ferry, is held under the crown.
|