The Village of Llanybri near Carmarthen

History of the Village

Llanybri is an ancient hill-top settlement overlooking the Taf estuary. There has been continuous occupation of the area from the Stone Age onwards. Evidence of Stone Age, Bronze Age and Iron settlements has survived in the way of graves, standing stones, burnt mounds (relics of early cooking-places) and hut-circles.

Looking into the past at Hen Gapel

In historic times, Llanybri was part of the commote of Penrhyn Deuddwr (`The Promontary of the Two Waters') situated between the estuaries of the Taf and the Tywi. Penrhyn Deuddwr encompassed the villages of Llangynog and Llansteffan as well. By the 12th century Norman invaders had virtual control over Carmarthen and the surrounding areas (although skirmishes with the Welsh continued until the early 15th century). Penrhyn Deuddwr fell into the hands of the Marmion family and the related de Camvilles. It was divided into two lordships, those of Llanstephan and Penrhyn, both administered from Llanstephan castle. The name Llanybri did not then exist; in 14th century documents the village appears as Morabry or Morobri, evolving in the 15th century into Morbrichurch and by the 16th century corrupted into Marbellchurch. For some mysterious reason, it is named in Saxton's map of Wales 1580 as Llanvaier [Llanfair]. It is not until the early years of the 18th century that Llanybri comes into use.

There are strong indications that the village had been the bond vill of the Welsh princes and that the Norman lords took over its old dues and services. A lordship mill, Mondeggy - later named Pendeggy - remained in use as a corn-mill until the 20th century.

The strategic importance of Llanstephan and Llanybri at this period must be stressed. They were on the ferry routes across the Tywi and Taf to Pembrokeshire and hence to Ireland. Pilgrims passed this way to St Davids.

Farming was the main occupation for centuries. There were eight farms clustered within the village itself. Farmers were supported by the customary craftsmen and tradesmen - blacksmiths, carpenters, stonemasons, shopkeepers, bakers, tailors, dressmakers and of course innkeepers. There was also a Post Office. Llanybri was virtually self-sufficient within living memory.

The foundation stone at Capel Newydd Llanybri

Social life was centred around the church and chapels and the school. Morbrichurch, the ancient church which had been a chapel of ease of Llanstephan church, was leased by the Nonconformists around 1700 and continued as an Independent Chapel until its closure in 1960. It is now a ruin. Meanwhile a rift in the congregation in 1813 led to the building of a new chapel, Capel Newydd, with its own minister. The chapels were united under one minister in 1945.

In 1852 Miss Elizabeth Lloyd of Laques Mansion built Holy Trinity Church. It was consecrated in 1861 and had its own vicar until 1957, when it was joined with Llansteffan Parish Church.

Is this genuine or not?

Miss Lloyd also founded the nearby National School in 1854. It closed in 1978 and is now used as a Village Hall. The chapels, church and schoolroom had been the venue for numerous concerts, plays and eisteddfodau over the years.

The village has been associated with a number of artists and writers. Amongst the famous literati are Dylan Thomas, Glyn Jones, Keidrych Rees and Lynette Roberts. The latter was also an artist. Artists currently living include Aurelia Reynolds, Peter Jones and Julia Jones. As part of Llanybri Millennium celebrations, local craftswomen produced a tapestry depicting aspects of village life and history.

Eiluned Rees