Llanybri is an ancient hill-top settlement overlooking the Tâf estuary. It appears in 14th century documents relating to the Lordship of Llanstephan as Morabry or Morobri, evolving in the 15th century into Morbrichurch and by the 16th century corrupted into Marbellchurch. For some mysterious reason, it is named in Saxton's 16th century map of Wales as Llanvaier [Llanfair]. It is not until the early years of the 18th century that Llanybri comes into use.
There are strong indications that the village had been the bond vill of the Welsh princes and that the Anglo-Norman lords took over its old dues and services. A lordship mill, Mondeggy (later named Pendeggy) remained in use as a corn-mill until the 20th century. Farming was the main occupation for centuries, though some men found employment in the quarry at Llangynog. There were eight farms clustered within the village itself. Farmers were supported by the customary craftsmen and tradesmen – blacksmiths, carpenters, stonemasons, Post Office, shopkeepers, bakers, tailors, dressmakers and of course innkeepers.
