Hello KT,
I can give you a little information on what you ask.
The Old County of Merionethshire, is where these parishes were situated.
Since 1974, the whole area has become called Gwylnedd, which encompasses a lot
more parishes than you have mentioned.
Othere parishes involved in this parituclar area though, were collectively
called Duffyn Ardudwy. From memory only. Harlech, Llandanwg, Llanbedr,
Llanenddwyn, Llanfair, each parish has separate parish records, which can be
veiwed at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth. I missed out Llanddwywe,
which is in itself a split parish of two parts. Llanbedr Church was once the
Chapel of Ease for Llandanwg. I have ancestors buried in both of these
churchyards, also in Llanenddwyn, which is nowadays called Dyfrryn by the locals.
And I also have ancestors buried in Llanddwywe. That is because I have
followed all lines that gave way to a new surname when a woman married. A rough
guide to distance in miles. Harlech and Barmouth are approximately 10 miles
apart. The parishes I have mentioned are approximately 5 miles from each of
these seaside towns. I have done this journey by road, so maybe that is the
measurment used. In the days of the parish records though, perhaps the
journey was done by parish road.
I hope someone can help you with a more academic explanation. But, this is
all from personal experience anyway. I still have cousins living in the area
and are still farming at some of the old farms in my farmily.
Regards,
Maureen
Rhondda.