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Llanymynech. A parish in the upper division of the hundred of Oswestry, a rectory, in the diocese of St. Asaph, and the deanery of Marchia; the church is in Denbighshire. 89 houses, 454 inhabitants. 6 miles south-west by south of Oswestry.

Llanymynech, (or neich) signifies the Church District of the Monks, and has no relation whatever to mines. It was so called, because there was formerly a monastery there. This village is on the road leading to Pool.

The Romans had mine-works in Llanymynech hill, from which they obtained considerable quantities of copper. One vestige of their work appears in an artificial cave, of immense length, called Ogo, (more properly Ogof, which is a Welch word signifying a Cave.) The windings of this cavern are numerous and intricate. Some years ago, two men endeavouring to explore it, were so bewildered in its turnings, that they were found by some men sent in search of them, prostrate on the ground, despairing of ever seeing the light again. Skeletons, culinary utensils, &c. have been discovered in this cavern. One of the skeletons had a battle-axe by its side, and a bracelet of glass beads around its wrist. Several Roman coins have also been found in this place; and not long ago many coins, mostly of Constantine, were found in a parcel of earth which was washed down the side of the hill. The hill abounds in limestone. Great numbers of men are employed in raising, breaking, and burning the stone.

Source: The Shropshire Gazetteer, with an Appendix, including a Survey of the County and Valuable Miscellaneous Information, with Plates. Printed and Published by T. Gregory, Wem, 1824