Bettws Newydd

Bettws Newydd is a small village in Monmouthshire, in southeast Wales

Location

Bettws Newydd is about 3½ miles (5.6 km) north of Usk, a few miles south of Clytha near Raglan, Monmouthshire.

Place of prayer

The site was originally an oratory or place of prayer and was founded by Saint Aedan of Ferns, who founded several churches in Wales and was also known as St Aidan of Llawhaden. As it was largely reconstructed in the 15th century as a new oratory it was referred to as Betws Newydd.

Local history

An old early Norman motte and bailey tump sits behind trees in the village next to the public house. The 15th century village church has a rare late medieval rood screen and rood loft carved from oak. In the churchyard are two yew trees estimated to be 1,000 years old. The trees are amongst the oldest yews in Wales.

On the surrounding hills are many tumuli or prehistoric burial mounds and at Coed-y-bwnydd meaning "the wood of the gentry" in the Welsh language (pronounced locally, 'Coed Bonnet'), is a large camp, an Iron Age hillfort with a massive mound protecting the entrance at the east and multi-vallate earthworks and entrenchments at that side. The other side being defended by a very steep incline. The wood and hillfort are in the care of the National Trust.

Amenities

The village has a selection of property and a friendly village public house and restaurant with accommodation. A golf course is sited behind the pub.

References

*"Monmouthshire, Its History and Topography, C.J.O. Evans, ~1950 "

External links

* [http://www.cefnpennar.com/betnew/staeddan.htm Monumental Inscriptions for St. Aeddan's Church]
* [http://www.cefnpennar.com/betnew/kelly1884_betn.htm Kelly's Directory for 1884]
* [http://www.cefnpennar.com/betnew/kelly1934_betn.htm Kelly's Directory for 1934]
* [http://www.cefnpennar.com/kemeys/incumbents.htm List of Incumbents 1535 - 1987]
* [http://www.geograph.org.uk/search.php?i=3029930 www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Betws Newydd and surrounding area]
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