Bishopston, Swansea

Bishopston (Welsh: Llandeilo Ferwallt, historically also Llanmerwallt and Llancyngur Trosgardi)[2] is a large village and community situated on the Gower Peninsula, some 6 miles (9.7 km) west south west of the centre of Swansea in South Wales.

For the electoral ward, see Bishopston (Swansea ward).

Bishopston
  • Welsh: Llandeilo Ferwallt

Pwll-Du Bay
Bishopston
Location within Swansea
Population3,251 (ward 2011)[1]
OS grid referenceSS5888
Community
  • Bishopston
Principal area
Ceremonial county
CountryWales
Sovereign stateUnited Kingdom
Post townSWANSEA
Postcode districtSA3
Dialling code01792
PoliceSouth Wales
FireMid and West Wales
AmbulanceWelsh
UK Parliament
Senedd Cymru – Welsh Parliament
  • Gower

It is partly within the Gower Peninsula Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB).

The church, located at the head of Bishopston Valley, is dedicated to St Teilo who gives the village its Welsh name. Bishopston gives its name to the Bishopston Mudstone, a name used by geologists to refer to a rock formation with a widespread occurrence in south Wales.

Etymology

The name Bishopston originates from the Norman conquest, however pre-Norman names for the town vary. One name was Llanmerwall (or Llanmerwallt), and is similar to the modern Welsh name. Two further names are recorded however, firstly Porthdulon (or Porthtulon) possibly referring to the area of Caswell, and the name Llancyngur Trosgardi.[2]

Shops and services

Bishopston has several shops including a Co-Op. Other local services include a hotel and cafe, three public houses, a petrol station, retirement homes, post office, church halls, sports hall, medical centre and children's play area. There are plans for a new multi-use, eco-friendly area to be built on Copley Common (opposite Murton Green). This space will hopefully accommodate a pump track. The plans have not been approved yet. (Aug 2020)

Education

The town has its own schools, Bishopston Primary School and Bishopston Comprehensive School. Bishopston Comprehensive School is currently undergoing a series of refurbishments, including the construction of a new block. The new building will accommodate drama, science & art facilities.

Tourist attractions
See also: Caswell Bay

Many people visiting Bishopston are attracted to its coastline, mainly Caswell Bay because of its easy accessibility, car parking, seasonal bus service, shops and cafes, public toilets, open-air showers, and seasonal lifeguarding. Other Bishopston beaches, such as Pwll Du and Brandy Cove, which can only be visited on foot, remain untouched by the majority of visitors.

Beaches

Local beaches include Brandy Cove, Caswell Bay and Pwll Du. The electoral ward consists of part or all of the following areas: Barland Common, Caswell, Clyne Common (Welsh: Rhos-Glyn), Bishopston (Welsh: Llandeilo-ferwallt), Manselfield (Welsh: Maesyfaen), Murton (Welsh: Morthw), and Oldway (Welsh: Henlôn) in the parliamentary constituency of Gower.

It is bounded by the Bristol Channel to the south; and the wards of: Pennard (Welsh: Llanarthbodu) to the west; Fairwood (Welsh: Llwynffair) to the north; and Mayals, West Cross (Welsh: Crwys Fawr) and Newton (Welsh: Trenewydd) to the east.

Population and housing

Forming part of the Bishopston ward of the City and County of Swansea, it is one of the largest villages on Gower. The population of Bishopston has increased steadily from the beginning of the 19th century. In 1801, the first census of England and Wales reported that 303 people were living in 73 houses in the parish of Bishopston. By 1931 the population had increased to around 1,500 people living in 369 houses.[3] In 2001 the population of the village was 3,341.[4] The village experienced significant growth between the First and Second World Wars and in the 1960s.

Bishopston's rural location has influenced the pattern of its development. Most dwellings are detached or semi-detached and benefit from generous gardens. As a result, property in Bishopston is expensive by the standards of most of South Wales and is beyond the reach of many first time buyers. Nearly all of the property in Bishopston is privately owned, with only 1% of homes rented from the local authority.[4]

Bishopston and the Gower was named one of the best places to live in Wales in 2017.[5]

Sport

Bishopston has its own rugby club, South Gower RFC, and a football side named South Gower AFC.

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References
  1. "Ward population 2011". Retrieved 13 April 2015.
  2. Williams, Nino (11 January 2020). "The lost Welsh place names of Gower". walesonline. Retrieved 12 January 2020.
  3. Orrin, G. R (1982) A History of Bishopston, Gomer Press. ISBN 0-85088-507-8
  4. Electoral Division Profile, Swansea .gov.uk
  5. "These towns have been named as the best places to live in Wales". Wales Online.

http://www.bishopston.swansea.sch.uk/

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