Beguildy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Beguildy
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 Beguildy
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| Population | 723 (2011) |
| OS grid reference | SO194797 |
| Principal area | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | KNIGHTON |
| Postcode district | LD7 |
| Dialling code | 01547 |
| Police | Dyfed-Powys |
| Fire | Mid and West Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| EU Parliament | Wales |
| UK Parliament |
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Beguildy (Welsh: Bugeildy) is a village and community in Powys, Wales. It is located in a quiet countryside area.
The village is about 8 miles (13 km) northwest of Knighton. It sits near the start of the River Teme, at a height of about 254 meters (833 feet) above sea level. Beguildy has a pub called the Radnorshire Arms. There is also a post office and a church. The local primary school in Beguildy closed in 2013.
Contents
What's in a Name? The Meaning of Beguildy
The name Beguildy comes from the Welsh word Bugeildy. This means shepherd-house. It is made up of bugail (shepherd) and tŷ (house).
Beguildy Community: A Look at the Area
Beguildy is a large, countryside community. It includes several smaller places like Felindre, Dutlas, Lloyney, Heyope, and Knucklas. The area is part of the historic county of Radnorshire. In 2011, the Beguildy electoral ward had a population of 1,411 people.
Beguildy Castle: A Norman Ruin
Beguildy Castle is an old Norman castle. It was a motte-and-bailey type of castle. This means it had a large mound (motte) with a tower on top. It also had a walled courtyard (bailey) below. Today, you can still see the well-preserved motte, which is about 20 feet (6 meters) high. The earthworks, which are the remains of the castle's defenses, are also still there. The village and the castle are located right on the border between England and Wales.
Beguildy Church: History and Features
Beguildy Church was mostly built in the 14th century. It was repaired and updated a lot in the 1800s. The part of the church called the chancel was rebuilt in 1885. The main part, the nave, was restored in 1896. The church's original tower fell down in the 1800s. Its bells, which are from 1661 and 1664, were moved to their current spot in 1936.
Inside the church, you can find a 14th-century octagonal font. People say that Cromwell's soldiers sharpened their swords on it. There is also a holy water stoup by the south door. A special door for priests is in the south wall.
The church has a beautiful rood screen from the 15th century. This screen is well-preserved and still has its original colored Tudor roses. Two oak benches from around the same time are also in the church.
One very old item is the parish chest. It was carved out of a single piece of wood. This chest was used by churchwardens and might be from the 13th century. It has an iron ring at one end. This ring was used to pull the chest with a horse to hide it during dangerous times. The chest had two separate sections, each with its own lock. One part held church valuables, and the other held the churchwarden's treasures. The church also has many beautiful stained glass windows from the 1900s.
Famous Connections: John Dee
John Dee was a famous person who might have been connected to Beguildy. He worked for Elizabeth I, the Queen of England. He was her math teacher and later became an Ambassador to Poland. John Dee is known as an important early scientist and astronomer. Some people believe he was a descendant of Rhodri Mawr, an ancient King of Wales.
