RHOSILLY, or ROSILLY (RHOSSULWY), a parish, in the union and hundred of SWANSEA, county of GLAMORGAN, SOUTH WALES, 16
miles (W. s. W.) from Swansea; containing 340 inhabitants. The parish derives its appellation from Reginald Sili, or
Sulwy, to whom the lordship was given, on the division of the conquered territory of Glamorgan, by Fitz-Hamon. It is
situated on a bay to which it gives name, in the Bristol Channel, and which is inclosed on the south by Worms Head, a
small promontory forming the western extremity of the county of Glamorgan, and stretching two miles into the sea, and on
the north by the promontory opposite to which is Holme's Island. The anchorage in this bay is considered very dangerous,
except in fine weather, from the eddies and currents that set in here strongly at other times. The limestone rocks that
line the shore exhibit some very curious caverns, in which are fine specimens of stalactite; and the sands, which extend
for three miles to the north-west of the church, are firm and smooth, affording a pleasant marine walk. The parish
comprises an extensive tract of land, of which about three-fourths are inclosed and cultivated, and the remainder consists
of fine open downs, affording excellent pasturage, and other common and waste. Several of the inhabitants are employed in
quarrying limestone, of which great quantities are shipped from the bay to different parts of the principality. The
surrounding scenery is agreeably diversified, and the views over the bay and the adjacent country abound with objects of
interest and with features of pleasing character. The living is a rectory, rated in the king's books at £9. 6. 8., and in
the patronage of the Crown; present net income, £104. The church, dedicated to St. Mary, is an ancient structure,
situated near the shore, but is not remarkable for its architectural details. There is a place of worship for Wesleyan
Methodists. A school affords instruction to about 42 children daily and 56 on Sundays; about 15 of these are paid for by
subscription, and the rest by their parents: the rent of the school-room is paid by a lady.