[1] The community encompasses the area surrounding the Clydach Gorge, west of Abergavenny, east of Brynmawr and south of Crickhowell.

Llanelly Hill, Blackrock, Clydach, Maesygwartha and Gilwern are the main settlements in the community.

It developed as a result of coal mining and limestone quarrying for the nearby ironworks including those at Clydach and Ebbw Vale.

Historically within Brecknockshire, from the local government reorganisation of 1974 until that of 1996, it lay in the district of Blaenau Gwent, but the electors overwhelmingly voted to be transferred out.

The highest part of the parish, in the southwest had previously been transferred into the new urban district of Brynmawr in the 1890s.