PENMAEN (PEN-MAEN), a parish, in the union and hundred of SWANSEA, county of GLAMORGAN, SOUTH WALES, 9 miles (W. s. W.) from Swansea; containing 149 inhabitants. The name of this place, signifying literally " the head of the rock," is derived from its. situation at the extremity of a ridge of .rocks forming the eastern side of Oxwith bay, in the Bristol Channel. The parish comprises but a small tract of land, of which little more than half is inclosed and cultivated. The rocks on the coast below the church rise with majestic grandeur from the shore, and have a strikingly imposing appearance; one of them, called the Tor, after attaining a considerable elevation, terminates nearly in a point. Another remarkable rock, termed the "Three Cliffs," situated about a quarter of a mile to the east of the Great Tor, extends three or four hundred yards from east to west, and in the centre is a large perforation, designated the "Arch," through which at low water people occasionally pass on horseback, but through which at flood-tide the sea rushee with great violence. Over the arch the rock is divided into three distinct points, similar. to the Needles in the Isle of Wight; and altogether this work of nature forms an interesting object when passing from Penmaen church towards Penrice Castle. The smooth and firm sands likewise present an opportunity for a most pleasing ride of three miles in front of the sea, from the Great Tor to the village of Oxwich. About six miles to the west of the church is the small hamlet of Paviland, belonging to this parish, from which place one of its churchwardens and one of its overseers are invariably chosen. The living is a discharged rectory, rated in the king's books at £4.10., endowed with £200 private benefaction, and £200 royal bounty, and in the patronage of the Crown; present net income, £210; with a glebe-house. In the hamlet of Paviland is a small meetinghouse, built by Lady Barham. A school is held m a building connected with the chancel of the church, and erected by the incumbent for the purpose of increasing its accommodation; his lady superintends the school on Sundays, aided by a person to whom a yearly salary is given.