BLAEN-GWRACH, a chapelry, in the parish of GLYN-CORWO, hundred of NEATH, county of GLAMORGAN, SOUTH WALES, 10 miles (N. E.
by E.) from Neath. containing 414 inhabitants. The village is situated near the head of the vale of Neath, which is here
seen in all its varied and romantic beauty: the striking character of its scenery, abounding with luxuriant verdure, is
heightened by contrast with the sterile brow of a lofty mountain, which towers above the neighbouring hills, and the rocky
declivities of which are indented by numerous deep fissures, through which, after heavy rains, or rapid thaws, the waters
rush down in impetuous torrents, exhibiting a scene of awful grandeur and sublimity. The river Gwrach, from which the
village takes its name, swollen with the mountain streams that augment its waters, frequently overflows its banks, and
inundates the adjacent meadows, which become one entire sheet of water. Ynislaes, an elegant cottage built by the Hon.
Windham Henry Wyndham Quin, now Earl of Dunraven and Mountearl, and for some time his own residence, occupies a beautiful
situation, commanding a delightful view of the rich vale of Neath, through its whole extent. The living is a perpetual
curacy, annexed to that of Glyn-Corwg, in the archdeaconry and diocese of Llandaf, endowed with £800 royal bounty. There
is a place of worship for Independents, which is one of the oldest in the principality. Dr. Abraham Rees, for many years
minister of the Independent congregation meeting in Jewin-street, London, and author of the most voluminous Encyclopedia
ever published, and probably the most extensive work ever completed by an individual, was born in this chapelry, while his
father, Mr. Lewis Rees, was pastor of the Independent congregation here. The average annual expenditure for the support of
the poor is 4160. 17.