The first part of the name of the village comes from the Middle English word bedhus, meaning "prayer house", which became betws in Welsh.[1] Bettws Newydd translates therefore to the new prayer house.
History
The site was originally an oratory or place of prayer and was founded by SaintAedan of Ferns, who founded several churches in Wales and was also known as St Aidan of Llawhaden. As it was largely reconstructed in the 15th century as a new oratory it was referred to as Bettws Newydd.
On the surrounding hills are many tumuli or prehistoricburial mounds and at Coed-y-bwnydd meaning "the wood of the gentry" in Welsh (pronounced locally as 'Coed Bonnet'), is a large Iron Agehillfort with a massive mound protecting the entrance at the east and multi-vallate earthworks and entrenchments at that side, the other side being defended by a very steep incline. The wood and hillfort are in the care of the National Trust.
Amenities
The village has a selection of property and a public house and restaurant with accommodation. A golf course is sited behind the pub.