New Radnor
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New Radnor (Maesyfed in Welsh) is a village in Powys, Wales. It was historically the county town of Radnorshire.
The community also includes the formerly separate parish of Llanfihangel Nant Melan. The community has a population around 400.
The village is located on the Summergil Brook, in a narrow valley south of Radnor Forest.[1]
New Radnor is first recorded in 1277 as Radenore Nova. Raddrenove appears in the Domesday Book but is generally accepted to have referred to Old Radnor, as there was no need to distinguish them until New Radnor was founded in the 12th/13th century.[1] Radnor Castle possibly dates as early as the 11th century.[2]
The Welsh name is recorded as early as 991 as maes hewed, likely referring to the valley as a whole. It derives from "maes" (field), and Hyfaidd, an otherwise unknown personal name.
There was a church in New Radnor as early as 1291. St Mary's Church was built in 1843-1845, replacing Bachefeld's church. It has been described as "an extreme case of unsuitable rebuilding".[1]
Radnorshire was established in 1536, and New Radnor was made the county town. Presteigne later became the county town, and in 1889 the new county council chose to base itself at Llandrindod Wells.