LLANSTEPHAN (LLAN-STEPHAN), a parish, in the higher division of the hundred of DERLLYS, union of CARMARTHEN and county of
CARMARTHEN, SOUTH WALES, 8 miles (S. S. W.) from Carmarthen; containing 1258 inhabitants. This parish, which derives its
name from the dedication of its church to St. Stephen, was distinguished at a very early period for a fortress of great
strength, erected on the summit of a bold eminence projecting into the bay of Carmarthen, and defending the entrance of
the river Towy, which falls into the bay at this place: by whom, or at what precise time it was founded is unknown.
Cadell, Meredydd, and Rhs, sons of Grufydd ab Rhks, Prince of South Wales, having, in the year 1143, possessed themselves
of Carmarthen Castle, were encouraged to appear before that of Llanstephan, the relief of which was attempted by a large
body of Anglo-Normans; but success still attending the arms of the Welsh chieftains, these forces were defeated, and the
fortress was taken. Meredydd, to whom its custody was entrusted, was here vigorously assailed by the Normans, who soon
after laid siege to it. The Welsh commander suffered them to complete their preparations for the attack; the scaling
ladders were fixed and manned; but just as the assailants were gaining the battlements he brought certain engines, which
he had contrived for that purpose, to bear upon the enemy, and precipitated them to the ground. The Normans, frustrated in
their attempt upon the castle, raised the siege and retired; but after a short time renewing their attempts, they
ultimately obtained posses/ sion of it. In 1216 it was taken and destroyed by Llewelyn ab Iorwerth; and after being
rebuilt, it was successfully attacked, in 1254, by Llewelyn ab Grufydd. The parish is beautifully situated on the shore of
Carmarthen bay, and is bounded on the north-east by that of Llangain; on the north-west by those of Llangunnock and
Llandilo A-bercowan, and on the west and south by the sea: it comprises by admeasurement 5000 acres, of which 2500 are
arable, 2000 pasture, and the rest wood, rocks, and waste. The common lands were inclosed by act of parliament obtained in
1807, under the provisions of which a very considerable portion was allotted to the respective landowners. The surrounding
scenery is highly pleasing, and in many parts of the parish beautifully picturesque; the views over the fine open bay are
interesting and extensive; and the course of the river Towy, with its richly wooded banks, still further enlivens and
diversifies the prospect. Within the parish are some elegant seats and handsome residences, which add greatly to the
beauty and variety of the scenery. Llanstephan Place, an elegant modern mansion, built upon an estate formerly belonging
to the Lloyds, is beautifully situated in a richly wooded demesne, with a fine open lawn sloping gradually from the front
of the house to the margin of the Towy. Laques, the seat of the ancient family of Lloyd, the former proprietors of
Llanstephan Place, is a substantial residence, now much neglected, in a very sequestered part of the parish, containing
some pleasing rural scenery. Llanstephan Cottage is finely situated near the river, sheltered in the rear by rising
grounds covered with young plantations, and commands a beautiful view of the bay; the grounds, which are tastefully
disposed, open upon the sands, which are peculiarly fine, and in summer afford to the inhabitants an interesting. and
agreeable marine parade. Maesgwynne is situated on an elevated site, embracing an extensive view of the hills, and is
surrounded with plantations. The appearance of the village is peculiarly interesting; but, from its retired situation,
being distant from any great thoroughfare, it is not much frequented by visitors: it unites all the advantages of a
maritime situation with the tranquil retirement of an inland village, and has a greater number of opulent families
resident in it than any other in the neighbourhood of Carmarthen. An excellent turnpike-road leads from it to Carmarthen;
and a ferry across the river Towy communicates with the village of Ferryside, on the opposite shore, in the parish of St.
IshmaeP& The parish also contains the village of Llanybree. Limestone is quarried, about 1000 tons of which are burnt
every year. The living, rated as a vicarage in the king's books at £8. 13. 4., is a perpetual curacy, with that of
Llanguunock annexed, endowed with £200 private benefaction, £600 royal bounty, and £1500 parliamentary grant; net income,
£101, with a glebe-house; patrons Messrs. Morris, bankers, of Carmarthen, and Miss Lloyd, who are impropriators of the
tithes, which have been commuted for a rent-charge of £529; and there is a glebe attached, of 23 acres, valued at £17 per
annum. The church, dedicated to St. Stephen, is an ancient structure with a lofty tower, and is about 120 feet in length
and 30 in breadth. In the hamlet of Llanybree was formerly a chapel of ease, which, in ancient records, is called the
Marble Church, and is now appropriated to the use of a congregation of Independents. There is also another Place of
worship for Independents, and one each for Calvinistic and Wesleyan Methodists; and two day and Sunday National schools,
containing. 50 males and 50 females, are supported by subscription. There are some remains of the ancient castle,
consisting chiefly of the shell, which is tolerably entire, especially the principal entrance: from the towers, which are
still accessible by means of the old staircase, though greatly dilapidated, may be obtained a fine marine view, embracing
a portion of the Glamorganehire and Pembrokeshire coasts. St. Anthony's well, in this parish, was once in very high repute
for the many miraculous cures effected by the water, under the auspices of its patron saint; but it is now entirely
neglected.