Introducing Llanfihangel
If you take the Chepstow to Raglan road at speed it is possible to miss all that Llanfihangel is so we hope this brief introduction will offer you a slightly fuller whistle-stop-tour as well as welcoming you to the community.
Part of Llanfihangel tor y Mynydd lies within the Wye Valley area of outstanding natural beauty but it is the Usk Valley, within which most of the village lies, which provides the dramatic and beautiful landscape which you can see in every direction. The landscape also contributes to the village’s name: Llanfihangel tor y Mynydd or the Church of St. Michael in the fold of the mountain.
Simply because the name of the village incorporates it, this guide will start with the Church and churchyard. It is an ancient religious site and clues to its antiquity abound in the landscape around you. The shape of the churchyard and surviving traces of a bank and ditch enclosure suggest that this is a pre-conquest foundation; an assumption strengthened by the llan place name and reference to Llanfihangel in the Book of Llandaff.
It is likely that the footings of the timber-built church which once stood here lie under the present church. The fields surrounding the church are also thought to be defined by ancient boundaries. The origins of the church you see today are Norman. More information about the history of the church may be found on this website or, if you choose to visit there, in the church porch.
Regular services are held in the church every first Sunday of the month at 09.30. Other services are as announced on the notice board. Everyone, of any faith or no faith, is most welcome.
Although the Church is kept locked, you are very welcome to visit. To arrange access please telephone Paul Williams on 01291 650213 or Ray Howell on 01600 860229.
A special gift of land from the estate of the Williams family provides the Parish with a car park adjacent to St. Michael’s Church. This was officially opened on Friday, 16th June 2006.
This is a good place to park the car if you wish to follow any of the many footpaths which can be joined within a short walking distance from the car park. Wherever you walk, look out for the beautiful and abundant wild flowers especially daffodils, orchids and bluebells. Look up during the day and you’ll witness buzzards playing and maybe a red kite or two; look west in the evening and soak in the stunning sunsets; look up at night and be amazed – it’s not called Star Hill for nothing!
No village is complete without a fine hostelry and The Star on the Hill (01291 650256) has been a focus for community life for centuries. A centre for the local farming community, the Star has also attracted visitors from far and wide. One of the most famous visitors to the Star was John Wesley, the founder of Methodism. On a snowy evening in February 1748, Wesley rode from Chepstow and stayed the night in “a good but small inn”, the Star in Llanfihangel tor y Mynydd. In the past the Star offered a base for groups such as the Loyal & Ancient Order of Shepherds, a nineteenth century friendly society. Today, Adam welcomes all for food and real ales and to enjoy the gardens (including children’s play area).
The Star is also where the Community Projects Group meets. This group plots and plans a range of events. Past events have included concerts, ceilidhs, carol singing and the Mari Lwyd celebrations which are held annually on January 6th. New blood in the group is always good and you are most welcome to join in all events. Chris Knight (01291 650349) is the fount of information about the group and when it meets.
The different telephone area codes indicate one of the idiosyncrasies of Llanfihangel; although the whole area lies within the Monmouthshire County Council (www.monmouthshire.gov.uk or 01633 644644) area, it has different allegiances for different purposes. The postal address, for example, may be Usk or Chepstow with post arriving from different directions. In respect of the Community Council, Llanfihangel is allied to Devauden and Wolvesnewton whereas the Church Parish incorporates Llanfihangel with Llansoy, Llanishen and Trellech Grange. Confused?! Even road gritting is done by different depot teams depending on where you live!
Within the boundaries of Llanfihangel tor y Mynydd you will find many services. For example, opposite the Star you’ll spot Country Style. This is the place to come for all your hairstyling needs (Marjorie and Claire on 01291 650667).
Go back down Star Hill for Christmas trees from Dave and Jane Lucas on 01291 650750. Need curtains? – go no further than Avril Jones on 01291 650469. Having fallen in love with the area, you’ll want all your friends to visit; if you’re short of space at home or need accommodation yourself, Brian and Meriel Kirkby on 01600 860887 (www.tor-y-mynydd.co.uk) can help in the form of self-catering accommodation at The Hay Barn.
There are many more local businesses. Chances are, whatever you desire can be found in Llanfihangel; scroll through the Attractions and Businesses tab (under Local Information). Please drop us an e-mail with any queries and we’ll respond as quickly as possible. Alternatively, ask anyone.
For an account of everything that’s happening, is about to happen or has happened, keep checking the website. A list of events can also be found on the notice boards of the Church and the Star on the Hill.
If you would like to know more about the history of Llanfihangel, Pat Egglestone and Mark Cronk (01291 691248) are in the process of researching and recording a detailed history from the medieval period to the early years of the twentieth century. Several volumes have already been published and more are in the pipeline!
Y cyflwyniad byr hwn yn darparu taith fer a chroeso i'r gymuned. Mae'r daith fer yn cychwyn gyda'r eglwys a'r fynwent. Am fanylion, cliciwch ar yr Eglwys.