Reynoldston - From 'A Topographical Dictionary of Wales' (1849)
REYNOLDSTON, a parish, in the union and hundred of Swansea, county of Glamorgan, South Wales, 12 miles (W. by S.) from Swansea; containing 258 inhabitants. This place, which is situated in the peninsula of Gower, is supposed to derive its name from Reginald de Breos, who was lord of the manor, and is said to have been the founder of the church. It comprises some fine portions of arable and pasture land, inclosed and in a good state of cultivation, with a tract of uncultivated and mountainous common, affording excellent pasturage for sheep: the sheep here are remarkable for the fineness of their wool, and the excellent quality of the mutton. The village, which contains several neat cottages, occupies a pleasant position under the southern declivity of the mountainous ridge called Cevn-y-Bryn, from whose summit a most magnificent view is obtained of the country on both sides. From this eminence, the peninsula of Gower appears to be completely insulated, and the Burry estuary forms a conspicuous and interesting object, with the town of Llanelly on the opposite bank, and at its extreme point the village of Penbrey: the prospect embraces also the bay of Oxwich, with the parish church, and the woods of Penrice Castle, with the village and tower, while in intervening spaces are scattered the pleasing villages of Reynoldston, Knelston, and Llanddewi. Stout Hall is a handsome modern residence here, in extensive grounds finely laid out, and comprehending much attractive scenery; and Fairy Hill, the residence of the late Lady Barham, to whom the dissenters of Gower are indebted for the erection of four neat chapels in the peninsula, is also in the parish. Limestone abounds, and is procured in great quantities for the supply of the neighbourhood. The soil in the lower lands is fertile, and the air is remarkable for its purity.
The living is a discharged rectory, rated in the king's books at �5. 11. 0�., and in the gift of C. R. M. Talbot, Esq.: the tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of �102; and there is a glebe of 41a. 1r. 13p., valued at �27. 5. per annum. The church, dedicated to St. George, is an ancient structure, not remarkable for its architectural details. A Sunday school is supported, in connexion with the Established Church. In Bryn field, in the parish, are the remains of an encampment of small size, which, from the discovery of some broken urns in the fosse that surrounded it, is supposed to be of Roman origin; it is now nearly levelled. On Cevn-y-Bryn, along which a good road was made by T. M. Talbot, Esq., affording a delightful ride, and commanding an extensive and beautiful prospect over the Bristol Channel to the coasts of Devon, Pembroke, and Carmarthen, are several large heaps of stones, more especially on the eastern side, where is one called the Beacon; these are probably sepulchral mounds, and perhaps of Druidical origin. In the grounds of Stout Hall, and near a rustic bridge, is "Maen Gwŷr," a huge stone, of the same kind as Arthur's Stone, about ten feet in length; and not far distant is a small circle of upright stones, placed there by Mr. Lucas, father of the present proprietor, and forming a miniature representation of Stonehenge. In the same grounds is one of the most extensive caverns in the kingdom, accidentally discovered by the late Mr. Lucas, who, perceiving a small aperture in the limestone rock, containing a very strong clay, proceeded to clear it out; and, finding the cavity expand inward, fully explored the interior, by removing several thousand tons of clay, and occasionally blasting the rock. The bottom of the cavern is a plain surface, about forty feet below the level of the ground, and the roof, which is finely arched, varies from ten to thirty-six feet in height. It is capable of containing two thousand persons, and is entered in one part by a long flight of steps rudely formed, and in another by a gradual descent; the interior is tolerably lighted by some natural openings in the incumbent strata, and has an imposing grandeur of appearance. Near the church is a well dedicated to St. George, and at no great distance from it another, called after the Blessed Virgin, and supposed to possess medicinal properties.�See Llanrhidian. |
01792 390597
Admission Charges
Address
Buses
Campsites/Caravans
Credit Cards
Cricket
Disabled Facilities
Fax
Film
Food
Parks/Gardens
Golf
Hotels
Libraries
Opening Hours
Places of Worship
Shops/Gifts
Taxis:
Tourist Information
Vets
Illustration(s) or 