MARY-ST-HILL, a parish, in the union of BRIDGEND-AND-COWBRIDGE, hundred of OGMORE, county of GLAMORGAN, SOUTH WALES, 4
miles (S.W.) from Cowbridge; containing 258 inhabitants. This parish, which lees in the south-eastern portion of the
county, and on the left bank of the river Ewenny, derives its name from the dedication and elevated site of the church. It
is not of any great extent, but within its limits is comprised a portion of the lordship of Ruthin, though locally in the
hundred of Cowbridge, which anciently constituted one of the numerous petty sovereignties with which the principality
formerly abounded, all exercisingjura regalia, until abolished in the reign of Henry VIII. The lands are principally
inclosed and cultivated, and the soil dry and in general fertile; and the downs are celebrated as affording pasturage for
sheep of a superior breed, of which the wool is highly esteemed. The surrounding scenery is greatly diversified; and the
views from the higher grounds embrace many objects of interesting character, among which the downs, forming in several
parts bold undulations, interspersed with immense masses of rock, have a very singular and striking appearance. The stones
of these rocks are considered of great value for sharpening instruments of husbandry, such as hooks and scythes, and when
used are reduced to sand, which is thinly spread with lard over a wooden rib. A fair is held here on August 26th, upon a
fine open heath. The living is a discharged vicarage, rated in the king's books at £5. 11. 8., and endowed with £200 royal
bounty; present net income, £90; patron and impropriator, Sir T. D. Aubrey, Bart. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is
situated on the brow of a lofty hill near the left bank of the river Ewenny; and from the churchyard, which is kept in
fine order, are some beautiful and richly varied prospects to the north-east. Mrs. Elizabeth Rees, in 1769, gave £13. 10.;
Miss Mary Gammage, in 1766, £20, secured on the Bridgend turnpike trust; Florence Rees, in 1781, £40; and her sister,
Mrs. Martha Jones, in 1784, £10, for which the churchwardens hold a deed poll of the Cow-bridge turnpike district; the
produce of all which benefactions, £4. & 6., is distributed among the poor at Christmas.