| AdminHistory | The parish of Gwyddelwern, situated in Merioneth, north Wales, was, in common with other parishes, a major instrument of local government. The parish, represented by a selection of members known as the vestry, had responsibility for poor relief, as well as maintenance of highways and law and order, which continued until local government reforms in the late nineteenth century. In 1894 parish government was reconstructed which left vestries with limited powers such as the election of churchwardens and administration of charities. |