LLANVABON, a parish, comprising two hamlets, in the union of MERTHYR-TYDVIL, hundred of CAERPHILLY, county of GLAMORGAN,
SOUTH WALES, 9 miles (S. S. E.) from Merthyr-Tydvil; containing 1449 inhabitants. This parish is bounded on the west by
the river Tfif, and on the east by the Romney; and comprises about 5000 acres, of which 1120 are amble, 2230 pasture,
1000 common, 500 woodland, consisting chiefly of oak, and the remainder roads and water. The surface is in general
mountainous, and the scenery picturesque, especially in the vicinity of the village of Craigyberthlwyd, from which the
views are striking and beautiful. The soil comprehends gravel, clay and peat, and the chief agricultural produce is wheat,
barley, and oats, the last of which is grown in the largest quantity. Tiles for building are wrought, and there are
excellent stone-quarries, and coal-mines, but they are not in operation to any great extent, the latter being chiefly on
the border, and appropriated to the use of the neighbourhood. The ancient seat of the Lanbradach family is situated here;
and besides the village above-named, the .parish contains those of Quakers' Yard, and the Nelson. A tram-road from a
colliery belonging to Sir C. Smith, Bart., communicates with the Glamorganshire canal. The parish is intersected by the
road from Cardiff to Merthyr, which passes about two miles and a half westward from the church; and by the Glamorganshire
canal, on the banks of which, within its limits, is situated the Navigation House, where this important line of
communication is joined by the Aberdare canal, and by the tram-road from Merthyr-Tydvil; at which point ofjuno- Lion is a
spacious quay, where barges are loaded with coal and iron for the port of Cardiff. The living is consolidated with the
vicarage of Eglwysilan: the tithes have been commuted for a rent-charge of £270, of which a sum of £200 is payable to the
Bishop, Archdeacon, and Chapter of Llandaf, and £70 to the Vicar. The church, dedicated to St. Ma-bon, is an ancient
structure, consisting of a nave and chancel, 43 feet in length and 21 in breadth, and contains accommodation for about 120
persons. There are two places of worship for Welsh Calvinistic Methodists, and one for Independents: about 90 children
are instructed at the expense of their parents, in two day schools, one of which appertains to Independents; and there
are three Sunday schools, two in connexion with Methodists, and one with Independents, in which ISO males and females are
taught gratuitously. James Thomas, in 1730, gave by will a rent-charge of £2 for the benefit of the poor, to be equally
divided between those of each hamlet.