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{{Short description|Village and community in Carmarthenshire, Wales}}
{{for|other places called Betws or Bettws|Bettws (disambiguation)}} {{for|other places called Betws or Bettws|Bettws (disambiguation)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2019}}
{{infobox UK place {{Infobox UK place
⚫ |country = Wales
|welsh_name = Y Betws | country = Wales
⚫ | welsh_name = Y Betws
|constituency_welsh_assembly = ] | constituency_welsh_assembly = ]
|coordinates = {{coord|51.787|-3.982|display=inline,title}} | coordinates = {{coord|51.787|-3.982|display=inline,title}}
|static_image_name = Outcrop at north end of Betws Mountain - geograph.org.uk - 64603.jpg | static_image_name = Outcrop at north end of Betws Mountain - geograph.org.uk - 64603.jpg
|official_name = Betws
|community_wales = Betws | official_name = Betws
|unitary_wales = ] | community_wales = Betws
|lieutenancy_wales = ] | unitary_wales = ]
| lieutenancy_wales = ]
|constituency_westminster = ] | constituency_westminster = ]
|post_town = AMMANFORD
|postcode_district = SA18 | post_town = AMMANFORD
|postcode_area = SA | postcode_district = SA18
|dial_code = 01269 | postcode_area = SA
|os_grid_reference = SN633116 | dial_code = 01269
|population = 2175 | os_grid_reference = SN633116
|population_ref = <ref>(ward 2011){{cite web|url=http://www.ukcensusdata.com/betws-w05000459#sthash.3EgcmtVV.dpbs|title=Ward population 2011 |accessdate=13 April 2015}}</ref> | population = 2175
| population_ref = <ref>(ward 2011){{cite web|url=http://www.ukcensusdata.com/betws-w05000459#sthash.3EgcmtVV.dpbs|title=Ward population 2011 |access-date=13 April 2015}}</ref>
| module= ]<br />Map of the community
}} }}
'''Betws''' {{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɛ|t|uː|s}} is a small village on the ], some 15 miles north of ], Wales; it is part of the ecclesiastical ] of ''Betws and ]''. The ], at the western end of the ], is named after the village, and has a large area of ]. '''Betws''' ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|b|ɛ|t|uː|s}}; {{langx|cy|Y Betws}}) is a small village and ] on the ] in ], Wales, some 15 miles north of ]; it is part of the ecclesiastical ] of ''Betws and ]'', and the urban area of Ammanford. The ], at the western end of the ], is named after the village, and has a large area of ].


==History and location== ==History and location==
⚫ The name 'Betws' is generally thought to be derived from the ] 'bed-hus' - a house of prayer, or ],<ref name=Locksmith/><ref>

The name 'Betws' is generally thought to be derived from the ] 'bed-hus' - a house of prayer, or ], and means "chapel" in the ]. Until the 19th century, when Ammanford developed extensively, Betws was the largest village in the area.<ref name=Locksmith>Locksmith, WTH (1999) ''Ammanford: Origin of Street Names & Notable Historical Records'' {{ISBN|0-906821-37-1}}</ref> </ref> and means "chapel" in the ]. Until the 19th century, when Ammanford developed extensively, Betws was the largest village in the area.<ref name=Locksmith>Locksmith, WTH (1999) ''Ammanford: Origin of Street Names & Notable Historical Records'' {{ISBN|0-906821-37-1}}</ref>


], showing Betws (later detached), Kilvey (later added), and the Town and Franchise of Swansea. The language boundary - with English to the south - is shown as a dotted line.]] ], showing Betws (later detached), Kilvey (later added), and the Town and Franchise of Swansea. The language boundary - with English to the south - is shown as a dotted line.]]


Until the 13th century,<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032714/http://www.terrynorm.ic24.net/ammanford%20castle.htm |date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref> Betws was part of ], which is now known as the county of ] but the old ] border of the rivers Amman and ] moved south and Betws has since the ] been part of Welsh-speaking ].<ref name=Maps>{{cite web|url=http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/wal/GLA/LlandeiloTalybont/Histdata.html |title=Archived copy |accessdate=2007-07-13 |deadurl=no |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227063958/http://www.genuki.org.uk:80/big/wal/GLA/LlandeiloTalybont/Histdata.html |archivedate=2014-12-27 |df= }} Article including Cowley Map of 1744, Kitchen Map of 1764, Carey Map of 1794 and Lewis Map 1833.</ref> Until the 13th century,<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032714/http://www.terrynorm.ic24.net/ammanford%20castle.htm |date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref> Betws was part of ], which is now known as the county of ] but the old ] border of the rivers Amman and ] moved south and Betws has since the ] been part of Welsh-speaking ].<ref name=Maps>{{cite web |url=http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/wal/GLA/LlandeiloTalybont/Histdata.html |title=GENUKI: Llandeilo Talybont - historic data |access-date=2007-07-13 |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141227063958/http://www.genuki.org.uk/big/wal/GLA/LlandeiloTalybont/Histdata.html |archive-date=2014-12-27 }} Article including Cowley Map of 1744, Kitchen Map of 1764, Carey Map of 1794 and Lewis Map 1833.</ref>


Until 1817, when a road was built along the Amman valley, Betws was only accessible by roads crossing the mountain from ] and ]. This inaccessibility is commemorated in a local saying, which refers to the division between ''Betws a'r Byd'' (Betws and the world). There was a sign on the Amman bridge to this effect: Betws this way, the rest of the world that way. Until 1817, when a road was built along the Amman valley, Betws was only accessible by roads crossing the mountain from ] and ]. This inaccessibility is commemorated in a local saying, which refers to the division between ''Betws a'r Byd'' (Betws and the world). There was a sign on the Amman bridge to this effect: Betws this way, the rest of the world that way.
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Betws Park Workshops are a collection of industrial units rented by various businesses. The workshops were opened in 1991, having previously been a screw manufacturing factory (1970-1981) and a lightbulb factory (1983-1986).<ref name=Locksmith/> Betws Park Workshops are a collection of industrial units rented by various businesses. The workshops were opened in 1991, having previously been a screw manufacturing factory (1970-1981) and a lightbulb factory (1983-1986).<ref name=Locksmith/>


The ] in the village is dedicated to ]. It dates to the 14th century but was renovated in 1872.<ref name=Betws>''Betws'' - part of the Amman & Loughor Heritage Trails series of leaflets.</ref><ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304191543/http://www.terrynorm.ic24.net/betws%20church.htm |date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref> The ] in the village is dedicated to ]. It dates to the 14th century but was renovated in 1872.<ref name=Betws>''Betws'' - part of the Amman & Loughor Heritage Trails series of leaflets.</ref><ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304191543/http://www.terrynorm.ic24.net/betws%20church.htm |date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref>


Betws ] was built before 1846, extended in 1928 and refurbished in 1988.<ref name=Locksmith/> Betws ] was built before 1846, extended in 1928 and refurbished in 1988.<ref name=Locksmith/>
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Ammanford No. 1 (1890-1925) and No. 2 (1891-1976) ] were at the north end of Betws.<ref name=Locksmith/> The Tycoch nightclub now occupies some Ammanford No. 1 buildings.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927220609/http://www.dontstayin.com/uk/swansea/tycoch |date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref> Betws drift ] mine opened in 1976 and closed in 2003<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030803095457/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/3116443.stm |date=August 3, 2003 }}</ref> and the land is being redeveloped as housing and industrial units, including LBS Builders Merchants.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929151556/http://www.lbsbm.com/ammanford.aspx |date=September 29, 2007 }}</ref> Ammanford No. 1 (1890-1925) and No. 2 (1891-1976) ] were at the north end of Betws.<ref name=Locksmith/> The Tycoch nightclub now occupies some Ammanford No. 1 buildings.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927220609/http://www.dontstayin.com/uk/swansea/tycoch |date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref> Betws drift ] mine opened in 1976 and closed in 2003<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20030803095457/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/3116443.stm |date=August 3, 2003 }}</ref> and the land is being redeveloped as housing and industrial units, including LBS Builders Merchants.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070929151556/http://www.lbsbm.com/ammanford.aspx |date=September 29, 2007 }}</ref>


There are plans to build a ] on Betws Common.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050310081646/http://www.bmpg.co.uk |date=March 10, 2005 }}</ref><ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008194828/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/6767529.stm |date=October 8, 2007 }}</ref> There are plans to build a ] on Betws Common.<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20050310081646/http://www.bmpg.co.uk/ |date=March 10, 2005 }}</ref><ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071008194828/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/wales/south_west/6767529.stm |date=October 8, 2007 }}</ref>


75.1% of residents of Betws and Pontamman said they had 'knowledge of ]' compared to 63.6% in ] and 28.4% in ].<ref>2001 Census</ref> 75.1% of residents of Betws and Pontamman said they had 'knowledge of ]' compared to 63.6% in ] and 28.4% in ].<ref>2001 Census</ref>
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==Sports== ==Sports==
⚫ ] currently fields two ] teams: The first team finished 1st in ] in 2007–8 season<ref> {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616144331/http://www.wru.co.uk/1160_2104.php |date=June 16, 2008 }}</ref> and the second team finished bottom of Llanelli District Division 1.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118000831/http://www.westwalessport.com/ |date=January 18, 2010 }}</ref>

⚫ ] currently fields two ] teams: The first team finished 1st in ] in 2007-8 season<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080616144331/http://www.wru.co.uk/1160_2104.php? |date=June 16, 2008 }}</ref> and the second team finished bottom of Llanelli District Division 1.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100118000831/http://www.westwalessport.com/ |date=January 18, 2010 }}</ref>


] have a ground at Rice Street, Betws, which is currently being reconstructed. ] have a ground at Rice Street, Betws, which is currently being reconstructed.


==Notable people== ==Notable people==
*Balladeer, ], was brought up in Heol-y-felin.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165750/http://www.terrynorm.ic24.net/donald%20peers.htm |date=March 3, 2016 }}</ref> * ] (1880–1941), an English inventor who claimed to have invented a death ray; he had a laboratory on Betws mountain from 1934.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207092532/http://www.terrynorm.ic24.net/death%20ray%20matthews.htm |date=February 7, 2012 }}</ref>
* ] (1882–1953), bardic name of ''Amanwy'', a Welsh poet, and an older brother of ].
*],<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426122913/http://www.terrynorm.ic24.net/jim%20griffiths%20framset.htm |date=April 26, 2012 }}</ref> first ] and MP for ] lived at the corner of Pentwyn Road and Park Street, where his father William was the village ] (an anvil stands outside the house that occupies the site today). His elder brother ] found fame as the poet ''Amanwy''.<ref name=Locksmith/><ref name=Betws/><ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032709/http://www.terrynorm.ic24.net/amanwy.htm |date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref>
*] was born in Betws and attended Betws Primary School.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207092526/http://www.terrynorm.ic24.net/ivor%20richard.htm |date=February 7, 2012 }}</ref> * ] (1890–1975),<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120426122913/http://www.terrynorm.ic24.net/jim%20griffiths%20framset.htm |date=April 26, 2012 }}</ref> first ] and MP for ] lived at the corner of Pentwyn Road and Park Street, where his father William was the village ] (an anvil stands outside the house that occupies the site today).<ref name=Locksmith/><ref name=Betws/><ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304032709/http://www.terrynorm.ic24.net/amanwy.htm |date=March 4, 2016 }}</ref>
*] had a laboratory on Betws mountain from 1934 until his death in 1941.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207092532/http://www.terrynorm.ic24.net/death%20ray%20matthews.htm |date=February 7, 2012 }}</ref> * ] (1908–1973), balladeer, was brought up in Heol-y-felin.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303165750/http://www.terrynorm.ic24.net/donald%20peers.htm |date=March 3, 2016 }}</ref>
*], charity volunteer and former boxer.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927205947/http://www.ammanfordfirestation.org.uk/FundRaising/Tm%20Run/Tm%20Run2.htm |date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref> * ] PC, QC (1932–2018) was born in Betws and attended Betws Primary School.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120207092526/http://www.terrynorm.ic24.net/ivor%20richard.htm |date=February 7, 2012 }}</ref>
* ] (born 1964), charity volunteer and former boxer; lives locally.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070927205947/http://www.ammanfordfirestation.org.uk/FundRaising/Tm%20Run/Tm%20Run2.htm |date=September 27, 2007 }}</ref>


==Wildlife== ==Wildlife==
⚫ A wide variety of birds can be seen around Betws. ], ], ], ] and ] can be found on the mountain, whilst ], ] and ] can be seen on the river. The woods are home to ] and ].

⚫ A wide variety of birds can be seen around Betws: ]s, ]s, ], ]s and ] on the mountain; ], ] and ]s on the river; ] and ] in the woods.


==See also== ==See also==
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==External links== ==External links==
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* {{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} * {{dead link|date=November 2016 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}
* *


{{Communities of Carmarthenshire}} {{Communities of Carmarthenshire}}

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Latest revision as of 13:25, 9 November 2024

Village and community in Carmarthenshire, Wales For other places called Betws or Bettws, see Bettws (disambiguation).

Human settlement in Wales
Betws
Betws is located in CarmarthenshireBetwsBetwsLocation within Carmarthenshire
Population2,175 
OS grid referenceSN633116
Community
  • Betws
Principal area
Preserved county
CountryWales
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townAMMANFORD
Postcode districtSA18
Dialling code01269
PoliceDyfed-Powys
FireMid and West Wales
AmbulanceWelsh
UK Parliament
Senedd Cymru – Welsh Parliament
List of places
UK
Wales
Carmarthenshire

51°47′13″N 3°58′55″W / 51.787°N 3.982°W / 51.787; -3.982


Map of the community

Betws (/ˈbɛtuːs/; Welsh: Y Betws) is a small village and community on the River Amman in Carmarthenshire, Wales, some 15 miles north of Swansea; it is part of the ecclesiastical parish of Betws and Ammanford, and the urban area of Ammanford. The nearby mountain, at the western end of the Black Mountain, is named after the village, and has a large area of common land.

History and location

The name 'Betws' is generally thought to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon 'bed-hus' - a house of prayer, or oratory, and means "chapel" in the Welsh language. Until the 19th century, when Ammanford developed extensively, Betws was the largest village in the area.

Map of the Lordship of Gower, showing Betws (later detached), Kilvey (later added), and the Town and Franchise of Swansea. The language boundary - with English to the south - is shown as a dotted line.

Until the 13th century, Betws was part of Gower, which is now known as the county of Swansea but the old commote border of the rivers Amman and Loughor moved south and Betws has since the Acts of Union been part of Welsh-speaking Carmarthenshire.

Until 1817, when a road was built along the Amman valley, Betws was only accessible by roads crossing the mountain from Neath and Swansea. This inaccessibility is commemorated in a local saying, which refers to the division between Betws a'r Byd (Betws and the world). There was a sign on the Amman bridge to this effect: Betws this way, the rest of the world that way.

The people of Betws like to make the distinction between themselves and those over the river in Ammanford.

The road bridge between Betws and Ammanford on Park Street was completed in 1892 and rebuilt in 1990 by T Richard Jones (Betws) Ltd. T. Richard Jones (Betws) Ltd. ('TRJ') is a major building contractor, originally based in the village but now located on the Ammanford side of the river.

The land for Betws Park was given to Ammanford district Council by Lord Dynevor in 1903, but the council used it as a rubbish dump until the early 1930s. After this, it was properly developed by local volunteers as a park with tennis courts. On 23 June 2007, a new 'Memorial and Sensory Garden' was opened in the park.

Memorial stone in Betws park. The plaque on the right reads "This peaceful garden is a living tribute to those who lost their lives in wars, mining accidents and other tragic incidents. THEIR MEMORY IS OUR HERITAGE."

Betws Park Workshops are a collection of industrial units rented by various businesses. The workshops were opened in 1991, having previously been a screw manufacturing factory (1970-1981) and a lightbulb factory (1983-1986).

The parish church in the village is dedicated to St David. It dates to the 14th century but was renovated in 1872.

Betws Primary School was built before 1846, extended in 1928 and refurbished in 1988.

The Caemawr housing estate was built in 1947, and the Bwtrimawr estate in 1976.

Ammanford No. 1 (1890-1925) and No. 2 (1891-1976) Collieries were at the north end of Betws. The Tycoch nightclub now occupies some Ammanford No. 1 buildings. Betws drift coal mine opened in 1976 and closed in 2003 and the land is being redeveloped as housing and industrial units, including LBS Builders Merchants.

There are plans to build a wind farm on Betws Common.

75.1% of residents of Betws and Pontamman said they had 'knowledge of Welsh language' compared to 63.6% in Carmarthenshire and 28.4% in Wales.

As of May 1, 2008, the Betws ward electorate was 1,450 and the County Councillor is Audrey Jones (Independent), replacing John Dorian Evans (Labour).

The community is bordered by the communities of: Llanedi; Ammanford; Llandybie; and Cwmamman, all being in Carmarthenshire; and by Mawr in the City and County of Swansea.

Sports

Betws Rugby Club currently fields two rugby union teams: The first team finished 1st in WRU League Five South West in 2007–8 season and the second team finished bottom of Llanelli District Division 1.

Ammanford football club have a ground at Rice Street, Betws, which is currently being reconstructed.

Notable people

Wildlife

A wide variety of birds can be seen around Betws. Red kite, raven, buzzard, kestrel and sparrowhawks can be found on the mountain, whilst kingfisher, dipper and cormorant can be seen on the river. The woods are home to jay and green woodpecker.

See also

References

  1. (ward 2011)"Ward population 2011". Retrieved 13 April 2015.
  2. ^ Locksmith, WTH (1999) Ammanford: Origin of Street Names & Notable Historical Records ISBN 0-906821-37-1
  3. Betws Mas o'r Byd (Betws Beyond the world) Carol Murphy & Chris Dixon, eds. Index only online.
  4. See the notes by Roger Turvey Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
  5. "GENUKI: Llandeilo Talybont - historic data". Archived from the original on 27 December 2014. Retrieved 13 July 2007. Article including Cowley Map of 1744, Kitchen Map of 1764, Carey Map of 1794 and Lewis Map 1833.
  6. TRJ Website Archived October 2, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
  7. ^ Betws - part of the Amman & Loughor Heritage Trails series of leaflets.
  8. Ammanford – Betws Church Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
  9. Dontstayin.com forum for Tycoch Nightclub Archived September 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  10. BBC NEWS | Wales | South West Wales | Tears as colliery closes Archived August 3, 2003, at the Wayback Machine
  11. LBS Ammanford website Archived September 29, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  12. Website of local anti-windfarm group, with many photos of local scenery. Archived March 10, 2005, at the Wayback Machine
  13. BBC News article about the approval of the windfarm. Archived October 8, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  14. 2001 Census
  15. Betws results for 2008 local elections
  16. WRU League table Archived June 16, 2008, at the Wayback Machine
  17. League table from West Wales sport Archived January 18, 2010, at the Wayback Machine
  18. Article about "Death Ray" Matthews Archived February 7, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  19. Article about Jim Griffiths Archived April 26, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  20. Article about the poet Amanwy Archived March 4, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
  21. Article about balladeer Donald Peers Archived March 3, 2016, at the Wayback Machine
  22. Article about Baron Richard Archived February 7, 2012, at the Wayback Machine
  23. Ammanford Fire Station's page about Terry Magee's fundraising; although most articles give his hometown as Ammanford, the postal town which includes Betws; this page includes an article which states that he lives in Betws Archived September 27, 2007, at the Wayback Machine

External links

Communities of Carmarthenshire
Categories: