Marlais (Marloes) - From 'A Topographical Dictionary of Wales' (1849) MARLAIS (MARLOES), a parish, in the union of Haverfordwest, hundred of Rh�s, county of Pembroke, South Wales, 11 miles (W. S. W.) from Haverfordwest; containing 486 inhabitants. This place is situated on the southern shore of Muggleswick bay, a portion of St. Bride's bay; the western extremity of it forms a little promontory, and on the east the parish is partly bounded by a pill, or creek, of Milford Haven. It comprises a considerable tract of arable and pasture land, which, with the exception of a comparatively small portion, is inclosed and in a good state of cultivation. The village is principally inhabited by fishermen, who obtain a livelihood in the lobster and crab fisheries that are carried on here, and by the sale of leeches, which are found in great numbers in a sheet of water covering from sixty to seventy acres, called Marlais Mere, which, during the summer months, when it is dry, affords excellent pasturage for cattle. More than one-half of the parish is encompassed by the sea, and the shore is in general bold and bordered with cliffs; the depth of water, within a short distance, varies from four to fourteen fathoms. There are a few unimportant islands, among which are Midland and Gateholm, situated close to the coast; the larger one of Skomer is attached to St. Martin's parish, Pembroke. The living is a discharged vicarage, rated in the king's books at �5, endowed with �200 royal bounty, and in the patronage of the Lord Chancellor; present net income, �80. The church, dedicated to St. Peter, is a small edifice, not possessing any architectural details of importance. A former structure in honour of St. Mary, situated near the beach, was destroyed by an encroachment of the sea, that also laid waste the glebe land originally belonging to the living. There is a place of worship for Wesleyans, with a Sunday school held in it; and a Church day school here is endowed with �5 per annum, bequeathed by Margaret Allen, of the parish, in 1772. |