Llywel

Llywel is a small village and community located on the A40, about west of Sennybridge in Powys, Wales. The Afon Gwydderig runs through the village, not far from its source. The main settlement in the community is Trecastle. According to the 2001 Census the population of the Llywel community is 524, falling to 497 in the 2011 Census. The village was historically in Brecknockshire.

Etymology

Llywel, occasionally referred to in texts as Llowel, is believed to be the name of a minor Welsh Saint. He is said to have been a disciple of Saint Teilo and Saint Dyfrig.

Church of St David

The Church of Saint David in Llywel is said to have been dedicated to three saints: David, Padarn, and Teilo; and known as Llantrisant. Its name was changed when it was granted to the Chapter of Saint David sometime between 1203 and 1229 It is a Grade I listed building.
The church displays Perpendicular Gothic architecture. The grave of the writer and preacher David Owen is in the churchyard. As well as holding a copy of the famous Llywel Stone, the Church holds the original Aberhydfer stone and old village stocks.

Llywel Stone

An Ogham stone named the Llywel Stonebecause it was brought to the attention of the British Museum by the local vicar, Lewis Price, was found at Pentre Poeth Farm..
In 1878, the Llywel stone was acquired by the British Museum and it is on display there. The inscription on the stone is 'MACCVTRENI + SALICIDVNI'. A National Park booklet provides a drawing of the Llywel Stone and states that copies reside with Llywel Church and the Y Gaer cultural hub in Brecon.

Localities

Bishops Town