Llangain (Llan-Gain) - From 'A Topographical Dictionary of Wales' (1849) LLANGAIN (LLAN-GAIN), a parish, in the Higher division of the hundred of Derllŷs, union and county of Carmarthen, South Wales, 4 miles (S. S. W.) from Carmarthen; containing 403 inhabitants. This parish is beautifully situated on the north bank of the river Towy, which is here navigable for vessels of considerable burthen; and comprises a large extent of arable and pasture land, inclosed and in a good state of cultivation. The soil is extremely favourable for the growth of corn, of which great quantities are raised of a quality not surpassed in any other part of the principality. The scenery is richly diversified, the views comprehending a portion of the beautiful Vale of Towy, with the ivy-mantled ruins of Green Castle overhanging the river, and other picturesque and pleasing features. The living is a perpetual curacy, endowed with £800 royal bounty; net income, £85; patron and impropriator, F. Bludworth, Esq., whose tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £55. 18. The church, dedicated to St. Synin, is a neat edifice, occupying the summit of a lofty eminence, which commands varied and extensive prospects over the surrounding country and the bay of Carmarthen. There is a place of worship for Independents, in which also a Sunday school is held. Leland, describing the remains of Green Castle, says, "four miles from Llanstephan, on the same ripe, is a place or cliffe called Green Castle, where ships used to lie at anchor;" to which Camden adds, "it is also called Castle Mole, and supposed to be the Humphreys Castle of Dr. Powel, and built by Uchtred, Prince of Merioneth, A. D. 1138."
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