CEMMES (CEMMAES), a parish, in the hundred of MACHYNLLETH, county of MONTGOMERY, NORTH WALES, 7 miles (N. E. by E.) from
Machynlleth, containing 917 inhabitants. The name of this place signifies a circle, or amphitheatre for games. The village
is pleasantly situated on the southern bank of the river Dovey, and on the road from Welshpool to Machynlleth and
Aberystwith, which, from a short distance north of it, runs parallel with the river for the remainder of its course. From
Moel Eiddan there is a fine view of the vale of Cemmes and Mallwyd, through which winds the Dovey, bounded by the extended
bases and lofty summits of Ceder Idris, Aran Mowddy, Plinlimmon, and other hills. About one-third of the parish consists
of sheep-walks belonging to the adjoining landowners: peat for fuel is obtained within its limits. Fairs are held on May
1st, September 9th, and November 24th. The living is a rectory, in the archdeaconry and diocese of St. Asapb, rated in the
king's books at £7, and in the patronage of the Bishop of St. Asaph. The church, dedicated to St. Tydecho, is in the early
style of English architecture: the gallery is adorned with fine carvings of flowers, &c., in wood; in the churchyard
there are four large yew trees. There are places of worship for Independents and Calvinistic Methodists. A Welsh
circulating school is at present (1831) situated at this place, for an account of which See DAROWEN; and it is in
contemplation to establish a National school. There is a Sunday school in connexion with the church, in which about sixty
children are instructed. A small plot of ground was bequeathed to the poor by Derwas Griffith, in 1669; the sum of £40 by
Bridget Mostyn, in 1730; and £20 by Grace Pryse, in 1784. Upon the summit of Moel Eiddan are the remains of a Roman
encampment; and in a turbary near it, a brazen celt, and a circular ornamented brooch of brass, about three inches in
diameter, were found, in 1824, which are now in the possession of the Rev. Isaac Bonsall, rector of Llanwrin. The poor are
supported by an average annual expenditure amounting to £474. 14.