BETTWS-GWERVIL-GOCH, a parish, in the hundred of EDEYRNION, county of MERIONETH, NORTH WALES, 6 miles (W. N. W.) from
Corwen, containing 273 inhabitants. The village is situated on the road from Bala to Ruthin, and on the small river Alwen,
over which there is a bridge of three arches. The vale of Alwen is pleasingly picturesque, particularly at Point Lljrn y
Gigvran, where the hills along the banks of the stream, from the base to the summit, are thickly clothed with trees: the
Alwen is here crossed by a bridge of one wide arch. The parish is about ten miles in circumference, and not more than one-
half is under cultivation: it forms part of the district which is noted for the knitting of woollen hose. A farm, called
Bottegir, in the county of Denbigh, is within its limits, and was the residence of Col. William Sainsbury, who bravely
defended the castle of Denbigh, for fourteen weeks, against a besieging body of parliamentarians under Major-General
Mytton, and then surrendered only upon the most honourable terms. Fairs are held here on June 22nd, August 12th, September
16th, and December 12th, for horned cattle, horses, sheep, and pigs; that in August is one of the largest lamb fairs in
North Wales. The living is a discharged rectory, in the arch-deaconry and diocese of St. Asaph, rated in the king's books
at £5. 4. 7., and in the patronage of the Bishop of St. Asaph. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is in the early style of
English architecture: near the entrance there is a piscine. Close to the church is a well, called St. Mary's. It is in
contemplation to erect a National school, for the benefit of poor children of this parish. The average annual expenditure
for the maintenance of the poor is 107. 9.