[2] Its tributary, Mochdre Brook runs through the village in a narrow steep-sided valley.

It is possible that the name refers to Mochdre in the Fourth Branch of the Mabinogi, the tale of Math, son of Mathonwy, where Gwydion takes the pigs of Pryderi, staying overnight between the nearby commote of Ceri and Arwystli.

In 1872 it was a parish in the Newtown district called Moughtrey or Mochtref, with Eskirgilog and Moughtreyllan townships.

At that time, there were 95 houses, a population of 526, and covered an area of 5,025 acres (2,034 ha).

[2] With a roof dating from the 15th century, the rest of the Church of All Saints was rebuilt in 1867.