As early as the 12^th century Newchurch was known as Eglwys Newydd. This suggests that the present Parish church was a Norman foundation replacing an earlier Celtic church, quite possibly that of Llanfihangel Croesfeini which was demolished in 1847. The parish of Newchurch was held and valued by Carmarthen Priory in the middle ages. At one time the Prior lived in Carmarthen Castle.

Although there is no town or village associated with Newchurch, there are some neat little hamlets, such as Bronwydd, Panteg & Cwmdwyfran.

 

The Independent chapel at Bwlch Newydd has its roots in the 18^th Century, when services were held in a barn at Bwlch Farm. Many able ministers have preached the gospel here, But it is unlikely that any were as impressive a figure as the Rev. Michael D Jones. Minister from 1850-1855. He was one of the fathers of the Welsh revival in the mid-19^th Century and one of the founders of the Welsh Colony in Patagonia in 1865. He envisaged creating a safe colony, to where Welsh tenant farmers could escape from the oppressive hands of Welsh Landlords.

 

Above Old School House alogside Newchurch Parish Church

 

Captain David Davies, Trawsmawr, was a staunch opponent of Rebeccaism and became a target for the wrath of Rebecca in 1843, because of his criticism of the movement; he was JP from Carmarthen Borough and had served as Mayor of Carmarthen.

 

1939 - 1945 War Memorial of Newchurch (to enlarge click, to return to this page, use backspace, same for photograph below)

1914-1918 War Memorial of Newchurch