Holy Trinity, Bettws, on the borders of Clyro parish, was a chapel of ease for parishioners who lived too far from the centre of the village to attend services at St Michael and All Angels’. Located in the hills above the Rhydspence Inn, with a stunning view over the Black Mountains, it is reached via the Chapel Farm track and by walking over a field.

The current building dates from restoration in 1878, but the timbered roof is thought to be earlier, possibly 14th century. There is a 13th century font, borrowed from Clyro church.

Revd. Francis Kilvert, curate of Clyro parish from 1865 to 1872, would have known the Chapel before its restoration. On St Valentine’s Eve 1870, battling a violent east wind and a hard frost, he made his way to Bettwys:

‘.. and when I got to the Chapel my beard moustaches and whiskers were so stiff with ice that I could hardly open my mouth and my beard was frozen on to my mackintosh. There was a large christening party from Llwyn Gwilym. The baby was baptised in ice which was broken and swimming about in the Font.’ (Kilvert’s Diary, Vintage Classics)

Bettws Chapel is open daily. For services, see the Calendar of Services.

All our churches are members of the Black Mountains Ministry Area.