Prehistory
There are a few cromlechs or dolmens, the best examples being
Meini Llwydion (Greystones) and Merlin's Quoits. They were
communal burial places for family groups dating back to the
Neolithic period (c.3000 BC).
Green Castle
Is a local landmark at the sharp bend on the B4312. The ruins of
the impressive, late medieval residence still stand. It was
never a castle but a residence built for the Reed family in the
early 15th century and was in ruin in Elizabethan times. It is
possible there had been some earthen fortification there at one
time. Some believe this to be at Old Castle. Doubtless this
would have been a motte and bailey. Until recent times ships
used to lie at anchor below to off load onto lighter vessels for
transport to Carmarthen.
Education
In 1846 the only school was a Sunday School. Llangain Board
School was built in 1875 and officially opened in 1876 and was
in use until superseded by the new school in 1977.
Church
The present church of St Cain was built in 1871. There is a
beautiful tiled mural on either side of the altar in memory of
the Gwyn family of Pilroath and Plas Cwrthir. An Elizabethan
chalice is dated 1576.
Chapel
The congregational chapel is a prominent landmark within the
parish. Originally built in 1835, it was rebuilt in 1865 and
restored in 1915. The white building provided stabling for
horses during chapel services. The loft served as the vestry.
Coedmor
Was built in 1968 for Mr and Mrs E.J.Williams, retired farmers
of Penycoed. Coedmor Avenue is named in recognition of their
ownership of the land and the family's continuing local
connection.
Bwthyn-y-Felin
An old woollen mill which employed four full-time workers in its
heyday. Llangain Mill / Factory closed in the 1940s.
Llwyndu
Llwyndu mansion was built in the first half of the 19th century.
In 1821-1823 Captain Henry Harding lived there and it was
afterwards the home of Frederick Philipps, JP. In 1906 the owner
was Charles Bankes Davies. It has an upper and lower lodge. The
original name for the upper lodge The Beeches, was Chweched
meaning Sixth, indicating the six lanes.
Pilroath
Pilroath mansion is situated at the southern end of the parish
above the confluence of the Rhoth Brook and the Afon Tywi. In
1902 the property was purchased by T J Harries, Esq. who built
the present mansion. The property was occupied by the Harries
family for three generations and owned until 1994 by County Cllr
Arthur Harries, CBE, JP, MRCVS. The courtyard and outbuildings
are now being adapted into a production base where films and TV
programmes reflecting local life can be made.
Fernhill
A manor house dating back to 1723 and listed
as a grade II building for its architectural and historic
connection. Famous as a frequent childhood holiday retreat of
the world renowned poet Dylan Thomas (1914-1953), it became
immortalised in one of his best-known poems, Fernhill.
Fernhill is also known for its association with the notorious
county hangman, Robert Rickets Evans who lived there at the turn
of the century. His daughter was heiress to a fortune. He
imprisoned her in a cell in the courtyard (which can still be
seen today) to gain her fortune, but her lover helped her to
escape, according to folklore.
Pantydderwen
Was a small cottage originally and once housed the Post Office
and local sweet shop. It became a public house c.1979. The golf
course opened in 1993.
Pantyrathro
Pantyrathro mansion was built by James Richards in the early
1800s. It was developed as a direct result of selling local milk
products to London with the coming of the railway to Carmarthen.
It became the local hotel in 1970.
