Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa () was a parish within the former historic county of Montgomeryshire. It now forms a major part of the community of Llanfihangel in Powys, which covers an area of 5,366 hectares (20.72 sq mi).[1] Its Community Council extends to take in Dolanog and Llwydiarth, having approximately 413 registered voters (as at 2012).[2] The parish originally consisted of the following townships: Cefncleisiog, Cydwnfa, Dolwar, Fachwen, Farchwell, Fynnonarthwr, Garthucha, Halfen, Llaethbwlch, Llwydiarth, Nanty-Candy, and Rhiewlas. Dolanog seceded from Llanfihangel in 1856.[3]
| Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa | |
|---|---|
 The memorial to the poet and hymnwriter Ann Griffiths in Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa churchyard | |
  Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa Location within Powys | |
| Population | 467 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | SJ 0816 |
| Principal area | |
| Country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | WELSHPOOL |
| Postcode district | SY21 |
| Post town | LLANFYLLIN |
| Postcode district | SY22 |
| Police | Dyfed-Powys |
| Fire | Mid and West Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| UK Parliament | |
Poet and hymnwriter Ann Griffiths (1776–1805) was born in, and is buried, in this place.[4]
Geography and amenities
editThe main village is scattered along a gently winding uphill road extending many miles past St Michael's Church to the south. The housing becomes denser just south of the Llanfyllin to Llanwddyn road, WNW of Welshpool; on the east side is the cemetery, six houses largely still owned by the local authority, and a couple of bungalows. The church is no longer used, and is unsafe.
At the centre are The Goat Inn, a post office/shop, and the village hall, opened in 1981, which has frequent whole-community, family and retired community events.
History
editA war memorial is at the centre of the village.
Ffair Llan
editA fair, known as Ffair Llan, used to be held every year on 9 May, when store cattle and sheep were sold to visiting dealers. Piglets were brought by horse and cart, with a mesh strung over to prevent their escape.[5]
Demographics
editLlanfihangel community's population was 467, according to the 2011 census;[1] a 9.5% decrease since the 516 people noted in 2001.[6]
The 2011 census showed 52.6% of the population could speak Welsh, a fall from 65.0% in 2001.[7]
Governance
editLlanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa is in the Llanfihangel electoral ward which elects a councillor to Powys County Council. This ward had a population of 1,049 at the 2011 census.[8]
Life in a Welsh Countryside
editIn 1950 Life in a Welsh Countryside, A Social Study of Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa by Alwyn D. Rees was published. This was soon seen as a classic study of the social structure and life in a predominantly Welsh-speaking rural community in upland Wales. This study describes the farming, kindred relationships, customs and traditions, and the role of religion, particularly the chapels.
In 2003 the Llanfihangel Social History Group published A Welsh Countryside Revisited: A new study of Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa, which records the changes since the original publication such as decline in chapel attendance and preferred use of Welsh.
Literature
edit- Morgan V. et al. A (2003), "A Welsh Countryside Revisited" A new study of Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa, Powysland Club, Llanfihangel Social History Group.
- Rees A.D., (1950), Life in a Welsh Countryside, A Social Study of Llanfihangel-yng-Ngwynfa, University of Wales Press, Cardiff.
- Thomas, D.R.(1911) History of the Diocese of Saint Asaph, Vol II, 227–230.
References
edit- ^ a b "Area: Llanfihangel (Parish)". Office for National Statistics. 30 January 2013. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
- ^ "Home - Llanfihangel Yng Ngwynfa Community Council". Archived from the original on 4 February 2015.
- ^ Thomas, D.R.(1908) History of the Diocese of Saint Asaph, Vol 1, 503-4
- ^ "Griffiths [née Thomas], Ann". Oxford Dictionary of National Biography (online ed.). Oxford University Press. doi:10.1093/ref:odnb/11614. (Subscription or UK public library membership required.)
- ^ "Local Information - Llanfihangel Yng Ngwynfa Community Council". Archived from the original on 4 February 2015.
- ^ "Area: Llanfihangel (Parish)". Office for National Statistics. 18 November 2004. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 15 August 2015.
- ^ "2011 Census results by Community". Welsh Language Commissioner. 2015. Retrieved 15 August 2015.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Ward population 2011". Retrieved 12 November 2015.
External links
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