MARLAIS (MARLOES), a parish, in the union of HAVERFORDWEST, hundred of RHOS, county of PEMBROKE, SOUTH WALES, 11 miles (W.
S. W.) from Haverfordwest; containing 486 in abitants. This place is situated on the southern shore of Muggleswick bay, a
lesser portion of St. Bride's bay, the western extremity forming a little promontory; and is partly bounded on the east by
a pill, or creek, of Milford Haven. It comprises a considerable tract of arable and pasture land, which, with the
exception of a comparatively small portion, is inclosed and in a good state of cultivation; the rateable annual value of
the parish being returned at £1977. 16. 10. The village is principally inhabited by fishermen, who obtain a livelihood in
the lobster and crab fisheries, which are carried on here, and by the sale of leeches, that are found in great numbers in
a sheet of water covering from sixty to seventy acres, called Marlais Mere, which, during the summer months, when it is
dry, affords excellent pasturage for cattle. More than one-half of the parish is encompassed by the sea, and the shore is
in general bold and bordered with cliffs; the depth of water, within a short distance, varies from four to fourteen
fathoms. There are a few small islands, the principal of which are named Midland and Gateholm, situated close to the
coast, but the larger one of Skomer is attached to St. Martin's parish, in Pembroke. The living is a discharged vicarage,
rated in the king's books at £5, endowed with £200 royal bounty, and in the patronage of the Crown; present net income,
£80; impropriator, Lord Kensington. The church, dedicated to St. Peter, is a small edifice, not possessing any
architectural details of importance. A former structure, which was in honour of St. Mary, and situated near the beach, was
destroyed by an encroachment of the sea, that also laid waste the glebe land originally belonging to the living. There are
two day schools, one of which, containing 12 children, is endowed with £5 per annum, bequeathed by Margaret Allen of the
parish, in 1772; in the other about 40 children are instructed at their parents' expense: and the Wesleyan Methodists
gratuitously teach 20 males and females in a Sunday school