NICHOLASTON, a parish, in the union and hundred of SWANSEA, county of GLAMORGAN, SOUTH WALES, 11 miles. (W. S. W.) from
Swansea; containing 120 inhabitants. This parish, which derives its name from the dedication of its church to St.
Nicholas, is situated on the shore of Oxwich bay, by which it is bounded on the south, and comprises a small tract of
arable and pasture land, with a comparatively trifling portion uninclosed and uncultivated. The surrounding scenery is
pleasingly varied, and is enriched with thriving timber; and the views from the eminence termed Cevn Brfn, over Penrice
Castle and grounds, and from the cliffs that impend over the bay, are interesting and diversified. The hamlet of
Manselfield, in the parish, from which place one of the churchwardens and one of the overseers of the poor are invariably
chosen, is so called from the Mansel family, one of whom, William Mansel, Esq., of Penrice Castle, was proprietor of it in
the reign of Henry. VI.; it is situated at a short distance from the village of Nicholaston, and consists of about
seventy acres. The living is a discharged rectory, with that of Oxwich annexed, rated in the king's books at £5. 11. Of.;
present net income, £224, with a glebe-house; patron, C. R. M. Talbot, Esq., who is the principal owner of land in the
parish. The church is a small plain edifice, possessing no architectural details of importance, and is situated near the
summit of the cliffs which overhang the centre of Oxwich bay.