CLAS-LOWER, a hamlet, in the parish of LLANGYVELACH, partly within the new limits of the borough of SWANSEA, and partly
in the hundred of LLANGYVELACH, county of GLAMORGAN, SOUTH WALES, 3 miles (N.) from Swansea, containing 4251 inhabitants,
the population having increased more than seventy-five per cent. since the census of 1821. Morriston, a considerable and
thriving village, with a large population employed in the copper-works, is situated in this hamlet, but is described under
its appropriate head. The Swansea canal, part of which, called Morris' canal, was constructed at the expense of the Duke
of Beaufort, who receives the tolls, passes close to the village, between it and the Tawy, and hence pursues its course
through the rest of the hamlet, both that river and the canal being crossed by bridges on the road leading to the town of
Neath. The bridge over the Tawy, called Wych Tree Bridge, from a tree of that description which grew near its eastern end,
is admired for its lightness and elegance: it consists of one arch, ninety feet in the span, with cylindrical holes in
the abutments, and was executed by Mr. Edwards, the celebrated architect of Pont y Pridd. Clasemont, late the seat of Sir
John Morris, situated within a short distance northwest of the village, has been recently taken down. There are, however,
numerous other respectable residences scattered over the hamlet, which is in general well wooded, and presents many
agreeable rides and walks, especially along the banks of the canal and the vale of the Tawy. Coal is found here in
abundance. This hamlet is assessed separately for the maintenance of its poor: the average annual expenditure is £344. 4.