RUDDRY (YR-YW-DRE), a parish, in the union of CARDIFF, hundred of CAERPHILLY, county of GLAMORGAN, SOUTH WALES, 8 miles
(N. by E.) from Cardiff; containing 325 inhabitants. This parish, which derives its name from the number of yew-trees in
the vicinity of the village, is pleasantly situated in a mountain valley in the eastern part of the county, and comprises
but a small tract of land, of which a considerable portion is uninclosed and uncultivated. The inhabitants are chiefly
engaged in agricultural pursuits. The surrounding scenery is pleasingly varied, and enlivened by the river Romney, which
forms the eastern boundary of the parish; and from the higher grounds are some richly' diversified views over the adjacent
country, embracing a portion of the picturesque county of Monmouth. Lead-ore has been found in the white limestone of the
parish; and a company was formed in 1840 for extracting it; but after employing some miners from North Wales, and
exhausting their pecuniary resources, the work was abandoned. Large quantities of lime, however, are burnt, and coal is
raised for the use of the neighbourhood. The living is consolidated with the rectory of Bedwas, in Monmouthshire: the
tithes, payable to the Bishop of Llandaf* have been commuted for a rent-charge of £100, subject to rates, averaging £16;
and there is a glebe of two acres, valued at as many pounds per annum. The church, dedicated to St. James, is not
remarkable for any architectural details. A place of worship for Independents was recently erected; and there are a day
and two Sunday schools. C. Edward Edmond, in 1743, bequeathed £2 per annum to the poor, which has not been paid for the
last thirty-five years, owing to the provisions of the Mortmain Act. Here is a mineral spring, which is said to have been
highly efficacious in curing diseases of the eye, but it is of little note at present.