Diocese of Monmouth

The Diocese of Monmouth is a diocese of the Church in Wales. Despite the name, its cathedral is located not in Monmouth but in Newport — Newport Cathedral, commonly known as St Woolos Cathedral. Reasons for not choosing the title of Newport included the existence of a Catholic Bishop of Newport until 1916. This apparent anomaly arose in 1921 when the diocese was created with no location for the cathedral yet chosen. Various options were being considered, such as restoring Tintern Abbey, building from scratch on Ridgeway Hill in Newport, and upgrading St Woolos, then a parish church; in the meantime the new diocese, as it covers more or less the territory of the county of Monmouth, was named the "Diocese of Monmouth". Prior to 1921 the area had been the archdeaconry of Monmouth.
It is headed by Cherry Vann, Bishop of Monmouth. She was elected the eleventh bishop in September 2019 and enthroned in Newport Cathedral on 1 February 2020.
In its own words, the diocese "covers the south east corner of Wales, from Monmouth south to Chepstow, westwards along the 'M4 corridor' to Newport and the outskirts of Cardiff, northwards into the south eastern valleys and east into the rural areas around Usk, Raglan, Abergavenny and the Herefordshire border". It covers the entire [Monmouthshire (historic)|historic historic counties of Wales|county of Monmouthshire], plus the ancient parish of Llanedeyrn, minus a few areas on the Wales-England border.
In local government terms, the territory of the diocese covers the unitary authority areas of:

WWW monmouth.churchinwales.or...

Archdeaconries and deaneries

At the Diocesan Conference, October 2017, the creation of a third archdeaconry — Gwent Valleys — from the two deaneries of Bedwellty and of Pontypool, was approved.

List of archdeacons

Archdeacons of Monmouth

The archdeaconry of Monmouth was erected, from the Llandaff archdeaconry, in the Diocese of Llandaff on 6 February 1844.

26 February 1844 – 1885 : William Crawley
1885–1914 : Conybeare Bruce
1914–1921 : Charles Green
1922–1926 : David Griffiths
1926–1930 : David Roberts
1930–1940 : Alfred Monahan
1940–1954: Samuel Davies
1955–1963: Joseph Ralph Jones
1963–1973: Ernest Evans
1973–1976: Cecil Percival Willis
1976–1977 : Clifford Wright
1977–1986 : Barrie Evans
1986–1993 : Keith Tyte
1993–2001: Peter Woodman
2001–2008: Glyndwr Hackett
2008–2013 : Richard Pain
24 November 2013 – 12 March 2021: Ambrose Mason
20 June 2021 – present: Ian Rees

Ian Kendall Rees was collated Archdeacon of Monmouth on 20 June 2021. He trained for the ministry at St Michael's College, Llandaff and served his title at Barry; he was made deacon at Petertide 2000 and ordained priest the following Petertide — both times by Barry Morgan, Bishop of Llandaff, at Llandaff Cathedral. He served as an associate priest in Cardiff until 2005, then priest-in-charge near Bridgend, before moving to the Diocese of Swansea and Brecon in 2010. Rees served in several incumbencies there along with diocesan roles and both honorary and residentiary canonries of the cathedral before his move to Monmouth as archdeacon and Director of Ministry and Discipleship.

Archdeacons of Newport

The archdeaconry of Newport was created from the Monmouth archdeaconry in 1930.

1931–1935: the Dean of Monmouth provisionally
1935–1948 : Vaughan Rees
1948–1953 : Thomas Parry Pryce
1953–1964 : Charles Lewis
1964–1973: Ivor Philips
1973–1976: Ernest Evans
1976–1977: Cecil Percival Willis
1977–1986 : Clifford Wright
1986–1993 : Barrie Evans
1993–1997 : Keith Tyte
1997–2008: Kenneth Sharpe
2008–2012: Glyndwr Hackett
9 September 2012–present: Jonathan Williams

Archdeacons of the Gwent Valleys

The archdeaconry was erected from Newport archdeaconry in 2018.

7 July 2018 – 24 July 2021 : Sue Pinnington
19 June 2022 – present: Stella Bailey

Stella Bailey was collated Archdeacon of the Gwent Valleys on 19 June 2022. She first studied theology at Westhill College, Birmingham, then worked in factories before joining West Midlands Police. Bailey trained for the ministry at Ripon College Cuddesdon and received orders in the Church of England: she was made deacon at Petertide 2009 — by Christopher Cocksworth, Bishop of Coventry, at Coventry Cathedral — and ordained priest the following Petertide by John Stroyan, Bishop of Warwick, at Coventry Cathedral. Her title post was at Walsgrave on Sowe, after which she served as Vicar of St Mary Magdalen, Coventry. Her last post before becoming archdeacon was at Kenilworth, where she also became Area Dean. In Monmouth diocese, Bailey serves as both Archdeacon and Director of Mission.

List of churches

APC = ancient parish church; MC = medieval chapel.

Newport Cathedral

This was formed from the parish of Newport St Woolos. Under the revised Cathedrals Scheme of the Constitution of the Church in Wales, it stands separate from the Ministry Area/parish structure and is managed by a charitable trust. As of November 2024 it was served by one Dean and two Residentiary Canons.

Church	Founded
Cathedral of St Woolos, Newport	circa AD 500

Archdeaconry of Monmouth

Abergavenny Town and Villages Ministry Area

This was formed from the parishes of Abergavenny Holy Trinity, Abergavenny St Mary, Govilon, Llanelen, Llanfoist and Llanwenarth Citra. It has an estimated population of 14,479. As of November 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader.
¹previously Abergavenny Priory; became the parish church at the Dissolution

Heart of Monmouthshire Ministry Area

This was formed from the parishes of Llanddewi Fach and Llanhennock. It has an estimated population of 11,801. As of November 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and one Vicar.

Monmouth or Monmouth Marches Ministry Area

This was formed from the parishes of Cwmcarvan, Dingestow, Llandogo, Llanfihangel Tor-Y-Mynydd, Llanfihangel-Ystern-Llewern, Llangattock-Vibon-Avel, Llangovan, Llangunnog, Llanishen, Llansoy, Michel Troy, Monmouth, Overmonnow, Penallt, Penyclawdd, Rockfield, St Maughan's, Tintern Parva, Tregaer, Trellech, Trellech Grange, Whitebrook Chapel and Wonastow. It has an estimated population of 15,483. As of November 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and one Vicar.

Netherwent Ministry Area

This was formed from the parishes of Caerwent, Caldicot Rectorial Benefice, Dinham, Llandevaud, Llanvaches, Llanvair Discoed, Magor Rectorial Benefice, Penhow and St Brides Netherwent. It has an estimated population of 31,844. As of November 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader, one Vicar and two Associate Priests.
¹monthly services continue in the village hall ²original dedication to St Hilary ³original dedication to St Michael

North Monmouthshire Ministry Area

This was formed from the parishes of Bettws Chapel, Cwmyoy, Grosmont, Llanarth, Llanddewi Rhyderch, Llanddewi Skirrid, Llanfair Chapel, Llanfihangel Crucorney, Llangattock-Juxta-Usk, Llangattock Lingoed, Llansantffraed, Llanthony, Llantilio Crossenny, Llantilio Pertholey, Llanvapley, Llanvetherine, Oldcastle, Penrhos and Skenfrith. It has an estimated population of 8,429. As of November 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and one Vicar.

Severn Wye Ministry Area

This was formed from the parishes of Chepstow, Devauden, Itton, Kilgwrrwg, Mathern, Mounton, Newchurch, Penterry, St Arvans, St Pierre and Shirenewton. It has an estimated population of 16,326. As of November 2024 it was served by two Vicars.
¹no dedication before 1980s

Archdeaconry of the Gwent Valleys

Cwmbran Ministry Area

This was formed from the parishes of Cwmbran and Llanfrechfa. It has an estimated population of 50,472. As of November 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader, two Vicars and one Associate Priest.

Islwyn Ministry Area

This was formed from the parishes of Lower Islwyn and Upper Islwyn. It has an estimated population of 69,489. As of November 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader, three Vicars and one Associate Priest.

Mid Torfaen Ministry Area

This was formed from the parish of Mid Torfaen. It has an estimated population of 37,768. As of November 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and one Vicar.

Mynydd Bedwellte Ministry Area

This was formed from the parishes of Rhymney, Tredegar and Upper Islwyn. It has an estimated population of 36,071. As of November 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader, one Associate Vicar and one Assistant Curate.

St Illtyd Ministry Area

This was formed from the parishes of Abertillery, Blaenavon, Capel Newydd, Cwmtillery, Llanhilleth, Six Bells and Upper Ebbw Valleys. It was formerly known as the Upper Eastern Valleys Ministry Area. It has an estimated population of 58,649. As of November 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader.
¹original dedication to St Anne

Archdeaconry of Newport

Beechwood Ministry Area

This was formed from the parishes of Caerleon, Newport Christ Church, Newport Maindee, Newport St Andrew, Newport St Julian and Newport St Teilo. It has an estimated population of 63,831. As of November 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader, two Vicars and one Associate Priest.

East Cardiff Ministry Area

This was formed from the parishes of Cyncoed, Llanrumney, Rumney and St Mellons. It has an estimated population of 75,380. As of November 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and three Vicars.
¹in the ancient county of Glamorgan, not Monmouthshire

Mountain and Marsh Ministry Area

This was formed from the parishes of Bedwas, Machen, Marshfield, Michaelston-Y-Fedw, Rudry and St Bride's Wentloog. It has an estimated population of 17,845. As of November 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader.

Newport North West Ministry Area

This was formed from the parishes of Bettws, Malpas, Newport All Saints, Newport Maesglas and Newport St Mark. It has an estimated population of 36,713. As of November 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader, two Vicars and one Associate Priest.

Tredegar Park Ministry Area

This was formed from the parishes of Bassaleg, Maesglas St Thomas, Newport St John the Baptist and The Gaer. It has an estimated population of 42,023. As of November 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader, two Vicars and one Assistant Curate.

Dedications

Medieval churches (chapelries in ''italics''''')'''

All Saints: Coedkernew, Kemeys Commander, Kemeys Inferior, LlanfrechfaHoly Trinity: Christchurch, SudbrookSt Andoenus: MountonSt Andrew: TredunnockSt Arvan: St ArvansSt Augustine: RumneySt Baruc: BedwasSt Basil of Caesarea: BassalegSt Bartholomew: LlanoverSt Beuno: LlanfaenorSt Bridget: Llansantffraed, St Brides Netherwent, St Brides Wentloog, SkenfrithSt Cadoc: Cwmcarvan, Llangattock-juxta-Caerleon, Llangattock-juxta-Usk, Llangattock-lingoed, Llangattock-vibon-Avel, Penrhos, Raglan, TrevethinSt Cadwaladr: BishtonSt Cenedlon: RockfieldSt Curig: Cat's AshSt Cybi: LlangybiSt David: Bettws, Llanddewifach, Llanddewirhydderch, Llanddewi-skirrid, Llangeview, Llanthony, TrostreySt Deiniol: IttonSt Denis: LlanishenSt Dingad: DingestowSt Dubricius: LlanvachesSt Edern: LlanedeyrnSt Ffwyst: LlanfoistSt Govan: LlangovanSt Gwynllyw: NewportSt Helen: LlanellenSt Hilary: RogietSt Illtud: Llanhilleth, MamhiladSt James: Ifton, Llanvetherine, RudrySt Jerome: LlangwmSt John the Baptist: Abergavenny, Llangwmisaf, Llanhennock, Oldcastle, PenhowSt John the Evangelist: LlandennySt Llywel: LlanllowellSt Mable: LlanvapleySt Maedoc or Aeddan: Bettwsnewydd, LlanbadocSt Martin: Cwmyoy, Llanmartin, PenyclawddSt Mary: Caldicot, Chepstow, Llanfairdiscoed, Llanfairkilgeddin, Llanwern, Magor, Malpas, Marshfield, Monmouth, Nash, Panteg, Penallt, Penterry, Portskewett, Risca, Tintern, Tregare, Undy, Usk, Whitson, WilcrickSt Mary Magdalene: GoldcliffSt Matthew: MonkswoodSt Mawgan: St MaughansSt Mellonius or Melaine: St MellonsSt Michael: Gwernesney, Llanfihangelcrucorney, Llanfihangelgobion, Llanfihangelllantarnam, Llanfihangelpontymoel, Llanfihangelrogiet, Llanfihangeltorymynydd, Llanfihangelysternllewern, Machen, Michaelston-y-Fedw, Mitchel Troy, Redwick, Tintern ParvaSt Nicholas: Grosmont, TrellechSt Oudoceus: LlandogoSt Peter: Aberystruth, Bryngwyn, Goytre, Henllys, Llandevaud, Llanwenarth, Newchurch, Peterstone Wentlooge, St PierreSS Peter, Paul & John: LlantrisantSt Sannan: BedwellteSS Stephen & Tathan: CaerwentSt Tegfeth: LlandegfethSt Teilo: Llanarthfawr, Llantilio-crossenny, Llantilio-pertholeySt Tewdrig: MathernSt Thomas Becket: Overmonnow, Shirenewton, WolvesnewtonSt Tudur: MynyddislwynSt Tysoi: LlansoySt Winwaloe: WonastowNo dedication/dedication unknown: Bettws, Kilgwrrwg, Langstone, ''Trellech Grange''

Post-medieval churches

All Saints: Blaina, Cyncoed, Llanedeyrn, Maesycwmmer, Newport, Pontnewynydd Christ Church: Aberbeeg, Abergavenny, Coedypaen, Ebbw Vale, Govilon Holy Trinity: Abergavenny, Nantyglo, Newbridge, Pillgwenlly, Pontnewydd, Whitebrook Resurrection: St Mellons St Andrew: Beaufort, Newport, Pontrhydyrun St Anne: Nantyglo, Rogerstone St Augustine: Pontllanfraith St Bartholomew: Highmoor St Christopher: Bulwark St David: Beaufort, Fleur-de-Lis, Llanhilleth, Maesycwmmer, Penmaen, Pentwyn, Rhymney, Risca, Troedrhiwgwair St Dingad: New Tredegar St Dubricius: Llanrumney St Gabriel: Cwmbran St George: Tredegar St Hilda: Griffithstown St James: Blaenavon, Devauden Green, Georgetown, Pontypool St John the Baptist: Catbrook, Ebbw Vale, Machen, Newport, Rogerstone St John the Evangelist: Beaufort, Cwmcarn, Garndiffaith, Garnyrerw, Maindee, Markham, Six Bells, Waunfelin SS Julius & Aaron: Newport St Luke: Abercarn, Pontnewynydd St Margaret: Blackwood, Risca St Mark: Alltyryn, Llanhilleth, Newport, Rhymney St Martin: Newport St Mary: Abergavenny, Croesyceiliog, Crumlin, Ebbw Vale, Llanfair Green, Newport St Matthew: Maindee, Pontypool, Rhymney St Michael: Abertillery, Glascoed, New Tredegar St Oswald: Sebastopol St Paul: Abertysswg, Blaenavon, Cwm, Cwmtillery, Newbridge, Newport St Peter: Aberbargoed, Blaenavon, Newbridge St Philip: Newport SS Philip & James the Less: Gwrhay St Stephen: Newport St Teilo: Newport, Troedrhiwfuwch St Theodore: Ynysddu

St Thomas the Apostle: Abersychan, Cefnfforest, Newport, Trethomas No dedication/dedication unknown: Abercarn, Crosskeys, Pontprennau, Sirhowy