Lower Machen
Lower Machen [1] (Welsh: Machen Isaf) is small hamlet of 19 houses on the A468 road at the very western edge of the city of Newport, South Wales.
Machen itself lies further west in the county borough of Caerphilly, although both lie within the historic boundaries of Monmouthshire.
Despite its small size, Lower Machen holds an annual festival of chamber music concerts in the 12th-century church of St. Michael and All Angels. Ruperra Castle is also located in Lower Machen [1].
[edit] St Michael and All Angels' Church
It is believed that the church (51°35′11″N 3°06′57″W / 51.5863°N 3.1157°W) was founded during the Celtic period in the 6th century. The current building dates back to the 12th century. The church has connections with the Morgan family of the nearby Tredegar House in Newport. There are eleven hatchments connected with the family and the Morgan Family Chapel contains monuments to the family. The church has eight bells which are rung at festivals and weddings.
