Rockfield, Monmouthshire facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rockfield |
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 Rockfield village green and war memorial |
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 Rockfield
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| OS grid reference | SO482149 |
| Community |
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| Principal area | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | MONMOUTH |
| Postcode district | NP25 |
| Dialling code | 01600 |
| Police | Gwent |
| Fire | South Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| EU Parliament | Wales |
| UK Parliament |
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Rockfield is a small village in Southeast Wales. It is part of the Whitecastle community in Monmouthshire. The village sits next to the River Monnow. It is about 2 miles northwest of Monmouth. Rockfield is also famous for Rockfield Studios, a well-known music recording studio.
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What's in a Name? Rockfield's History
The name Rockfield was first recorded in 1566. However, it is thought to come from the French word "Rocheville." This name might have been used as early as the 11th century. Before the Normans came, the village had a Welsh name: Llanoronwy.
The Welsh Academy dictionary still lists the Welsh name as Llanoronwy Carn Cenhedlon. In 2010, there was a small debate. Monmouthshire County Council put the Welsh name back on local signs. But the signs were changed again in 2011 after people in the village complained.
St Cenedlon's Church: A Village Landmark
The church in Rockfield is named after an early Welsh saint, Cenedlon. She might have been the wife of Arthfael ab Ithel. He was a king of Gwent in the 7th century. Some old records also say the church was dedicated to Saint Kenelm. He was a saint from the 9th century.
However, the Welsh name Llanoronwy seems to come from a third name, Goronwy. The church tower is very old, from the Middle Ages. But most of the church was rebuilt in 1859–60. This work was done by John Prichard and John Pollard Seddon.
Inside the church, you can see a painted coat of arms from King William III. It is dated 1700. Under the altar, there is a special grave. It belongs to Bishop Matthew Pritchard. He was a Catholic leader from 1713 to 1744. He lived nearby in a house called Perthîr, which was later taken down.
Other Interesting Buildings in Rockfield
Many buildings in Rockfield were built for the Rolls family estate. Their main home, The Hendre, is about 2 miles west of the village. One of the entrance lodges to their home is just north of Rockfield.
There are also almshouses south of the village. These were built in 1906 by Lord Llangattock. They were for retired workers from his estate. The famous architect Aston Webb designed them. They are made from local stone and have a special half-timber style. North of the village is a house called Pentwyn. The architect George Vaughan Maddox designed and lived in it from 1837. It was later made bigger to be a parsonage, a home for a church leader.
Gallery
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St Cenedlon church
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Gateway at Rockfield leading to The Hendre
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Road sign showing both English and Welsh names
