Little development happened in this area before the late 18th century and it is not clear why Dre-fach Felindre became such an important centre for the production of woollen cloth in Wales.

Substantial mills, some employing 50-100 people, were built at Drefach, Felindre, Drefelin, Cwmpengraig, Cwmhiraeth and Pentre-cwrt by the first decade of the 20th century.

Because Dre-fach Felindre was reliant on industry rather than on agriculture like the surrounding countryside, the outlook of the inhabitants was different.

It resembled that of the South Wales valleys with their billiard halls, brass bands, male voice choirs and football teams.

[5] The Stori Fawr Dre-fach Felindre committee have also commissioned the famous artists Meirion and Aneurin Jones, Cardigan, to paint a large mural reflecting the history of both villages.

The romantic and excruciating life of Nel Fach y Bwcs has been recorded in the book O Drelew i Dre-fach as well as in television programmes.

One now houses the National Woollen Museum, another a furniture warehouse and others have been converted to residences or accommodation for holiday visitors.

There is a post office, a few shops, a church, several chapels and a primary school, Ysgol Gynradd Penboyr.

Interior fittings include a pipe organ and some stained glass windows, three of which are by Heaton, Butler and Bayne and are of high quality.

[9] Services are still held in the chapel at its new location, and burials still take place at the cemetery at its original site on a grassy slope overlooking Felindre.