From Pigot's Directory 1835
"Llanelly is a respectable market and borough town in the parish of its name,hundred
of Carnwallan,and the county of Carmarthen; 217 miles w. from London,15 s.s.e. from
Carmarthen,11 w.by n. from Swansea,and 8 s.e. from Kidwelly; eligibly situate on a port or
creek of the Bristol channel; and where the custom-house for the county of Carmarthen is
established. Of late years this town has wonderfully increased in importance,in trade,and
in population-and the improvement in its appearance has kept pace with its prosperity:
many old and unsightly habitations have been removed,and new ones erected on their
site,with ranges of handsome shops;and two new and convenient market-houses have also been
built,which are well attended on the market days. This town and its neighbourhood has long
been celebrated for its bituminous or binding coal,stone-coal,culm,and fire-clay,of which
great quantities are shipped to various distant parts; and the abundance and excellence of
these minerals has !
induced wealthy and spirited individuals to establish copper,iron,lead and fire-brick
works,upon most extensive scales: the copper smelting-works of the "Nevell and Copper
Company," as well as those of Messrs.Glascott,employ a great number of hands. The
several important establishments are the source from which the present flourishing trade
of the port is derived; to accomodate which,four commodious docks have been made,furnished
with convenient loading stages,and the copper-works dock has a wet-dock,sunk to the depth
of thirteen feet at the lowest neap-tides. The Railway Company's dock is considered
the best graving-dock in the principality;from one end of it,a breakwater stretches out,of
great extent,which enables vessels to ride in perfect safety. Each of these docks has a
reservoir for scouring it; and there is also a public reservoir for cleansing the harbour
and channel. Two steam-tugs are actively employed in towing vessels and lighters into the
harbour. The town is gov!
erned by a portrieve and an unlimited number of burgesses,to whom estates of considerable
value belong-the rental of which is directed,by act of Parliament,to be expended in
improving the town and port. Llanelly shares with Carmarthen in the privilege of returning
one member to parliament; the present one (elected in January 1835) is David Lewis, Esq.
The places of worship are the parish church and chapels for baptists,independents,and
Wesleyan methodists. The church which is dedicated to St.Elly,and stands in the centre of
town,is an ancient structure,with a tower. The living is a vicarage in the patronage of
Rees Gorey Thomas,Esq. the present incumbent is the Rev.Ebenezer Morris. The markets,which
are exceedingly well supplied,are held on Thursday and Saturday,the former being the
chartered day,and both are toll-free. the fairs take place on Ascention Thursday,and the
30th of September. The parish of Llanelly (which comprises the hamlets of BERWICK,BOROUGH
GLYN,HENGOED,and WESTOAC) contained,in 1821, 5,649 inhabitants; and in 1831, 7,646.