Whitchurch - From 'A Topographical Dictionary of Wales' (1849) WHITCHURCH, a parish, in the union of Haverfordwest, hundred of Dewisland, county of Pembroke, South Wales, 12 miles (N. W. by W.) from Haverfordwest; containing 1120 inhabitants. This parish, which contains the small sea-port town of Solva, described under its own head, is situated upon the coast of St. Bride's bay, and on the turnpike-road from Haverfordwest to St. David's. It comprises 3200 acres, of which 400 are common or waste land; the surface is abruptly varied, and the scenery being diversified with hill and dale, is in some parts, especially near the town, highly picturesque. The inhabitants are employed in agriculture; in the burning of lime, for which there are some kilns near the entrance of the town of Solva; and in the trade of the port. The living is a discharged vicarage, rated in the king's books at £5. 15. 7½., and endowed with £200 royal bounty, and £800 parliamentary grant: the tithes have been commuted for £292, of which a sum of £146. 13. 4. is payable to the Dean and Chapter of St. David's Cathedral, who are patrons of the benefice, £48 to the Subchanter and Vicars-choral, and £97. 6. 8. to the vicar. The church, dedicated to St. David, is not remarkable for any architectural details of importance. In the town and parish are places of worship for Baptists, Calvinistic and Wesleyan Methodists, and Independents; a disused schoolroom licensed as a chapel of ease; a British school, and six Sunday schools. Caervoriog, in the parish, was the birthplace of Adam Hoton, Bishop of St. David's, at one time ambassador to the Court of France, and Lord High Chancellor of England.
|