Bettws Newydd Church
Bettws Newydd Church is a well preserved and restored medieval parish church, probably founded in the twelfth century with a dedication to St Aeddan. The present fabric is fifteenth century in style and iIts most remarkable feature is the late medieval screen which is probably unique in the British Isles. This is oak with five panelled bays either side of a central doorway. The projecting loft above is plastered beneath, with finely a carved beam with undercut vine and oak trail. The front of the loft front is panelled in fourteen bays with pierced tracery to panels. The church was restored in 1872 in memory of W.R. Stretton of Brynderwen (d 1848).
Church services are normally held on the first and third Sundays of each month at 10am , and on other special occassions - you will be made very welcome if you wish to come and join us.
The church is also a fine location for a traditional country wedding - you can see some pictures of recent weddings in the picture gallery below.
For more information about services, weddings and anything else about the building or the churchyard please contact the Rector or our local church warden.
Situated at the southern edge of Bettws Newydd village, prominently overlooking the open fields, hedgerows and woodlands of the Usk valley. The church, and to the north, the village pub and village hall along with the settlements older properties define the boundaries of the village. The name of the village is derived from the church which translates as new prayer house.
There is an early Norman motte and bailey tump close to the pub and 196m above sea level overlooking the village is Coed y Bwnydd which is the largest and possibly best-preserved Iron Age hill fort in Monmouthshire. It sits at the southern end of a long wooded scarp that runs parallel to the River Usk. Now in the ownership of the National Trust, it speaks to the history of human involvement in the village stretching back more than 2,000 years and is now renowned for its bluebells.
Together with a number of waymarked footpaths in the area it ensures there is a steady flow of walkers who find their way to the church.
