Llansanffraid-ym-Mechain
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Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain is a village and community in Powys, Mid-Wales, close to the border with Shropshire, about 5 miles (8.0 km) south west of Oswestry.
Llansantffraid means "Church of St Bridget" in the Welsh language and ym-Mechain refers to its location in the medieval cantref of Mechain.
The local football team, previously known as Total Network Solutions F.C., won the League of Wales in the 2004-05 season, the first title since changing the name from Llansantffraid FC. Following the takeover of its sponsors, the team was renamed The New Saints F.C. for the 2006-07 season. The New Saints no longer play their football matches in Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain, but in "Park Hall", a village in Shropshire, 2 miles (3.2 km) east of Oswestry. A new village team has been formed with local players and they have had great success in their first season playing in the local league.
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[edit] Spelling of the name
Residents of Llansantffraid were stunned in May 2008 when the name of their village was changed to correct a “centuries old mistake”.
At the time Powys County Council said they officially adopted a new “proper” spelling of the name, removing the “t” from Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain to correct a mistake dating back to the mid 19th century, when a translation had described Celtic Saint Brigit as a man, rather than a woman.
But rather than accept the change of spelling, Llansantffraid Community Council continue to press Powys County Council to bring back the letter T.
The community council recently conducted a poll, via the village newsletter, regarding the spelling and the results showed an overwhelming majority wished to retain the letter T.
Members of Llansantffraid Community Council agreed to ask for help from their County Councillor and MP Glyn Davies in this long running dispute.
Alternative spellings over time:
Llansanfret -1254
Llansantfred -1284
Lansantfreit -1291
Llannsanfrayd -1390
Llansanfrayd -1394
Llansantfraid -1402
Llansanfrayt -1404
Llansanfrayde -1409
Llansanfreyt -1423
Llansayntefrayde -1526
Llansainffred -1566
Llansanfraid -1577
Llansanffraid -1600
Llansatifraid -1645
Llansanfryd -1714
Llansanffraid -1838
Llansaintffraid -1851
[edit] History
[edit] Early settlers
Many finds of Beaker pottery, dating from 2400 to 2000 BC, suggest settlement of the area first occurred in the Bronze Age. Earlier, Neolithic, settlement is likely, though there are currently no such sites known in the immediate area. During the Iron Age, around 700 BC, an increase in a sedentary lifestyle is evidenced by the increased number of settlements. A small hilltop enclosure was built around 400 BC where inhabitants grew wheat and barley, and kept cattle, sheep and pigs. Aerial photography of the area shows evidence that a pit alignment, possibly Iron Age in date, is present in the grounds of the nearby Bryn Tanat Hall Hotel.
[edit] The Romans
Roman archeological evidence in the area includes a Roman fort in Bronhyddon field adjacent to Cael Hywel orchard. An archaeological excavation at this site revealed a barracks with attached Centurion's house.
[edit] The historic Plas-Yn-Dinas
The Plas-Yn-Dinas is one of the most historic sites in Wales. Some of the earthworks could be from the Roman period and it is reputed to be the site of the ancient Mediolanum.
[edit] Y Foel Camp
Y Foel Camp is situated on the summit of the Foel Hill, to the west of the Winllan Road. It has many hallmarks of an Iron Age fortifications and there are signs of a rampart and a ditch.
[edit] Skirmishes and battles
Only two battles fought within this parish are recorded in history. Around the middle of the 5th century a battle took place in the township of Llanerch. Emrys wen Pascen, a traitor, succeeded in inducing the Saxons to attack the Welsh. Emerys Benaur was appointed head of the Welsh army, and his victory secured the naming of the township in his honor. These events have no factual basis.
The second recorded battle was fought between Meredydd and Ithel, sons of Gruffydd ap Llywelyn on one side and Bleddyn and Rhiwallon on the other. The battle was fought for the crown of Gwynedd and Powys. Ithel and Rhiwallon were slain and Meredydd took flight leaving Bleddyn the only king of North Wales and Powys.
[edit] External links
- Photos of Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain and surrounding area on geograph
- Historic Photos of Llansantffraid-ym-Mechain
Coordinates: 52°46′N 3°09′W / 52.767°N 3.15°W
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