Kemeys Commander
Kemeys Commander is a small village in Monmouthshire, South East Wales, situated in a distinctive bend of the River Usk. Its name originates from the historical presence of the Knights Templar and later the Knights Hospitaller, who held the patronage of the parish church of All Saints, suggesting it was a commandery or preceptory. The village comprises a few farms and cottages, with its parish church containing notable architectural features from various periods.
Key Facts
- ›The village's name, Kemeys Commander, derives from its historical association with the Knights Templar as a commandery.
- ›The parish church is dedicated to all Saints and has features like a low screen dividing the nave from the presbytery.
- ›A 13th-century bell is housed in the turret of the church's west porch.
- ›Chain Bridge, a notable crossing over the River Usk, has a history dating back to the 16th century, with its current iron arch structure built in the early 20th century.
- ›Kemeys Folly, a former hunting lodge, was built in 1712 and later rebuilt as a home for the High Sheriff of Monmouthshire.
Perpendicular
Church of All Saints, Chain Bridge, Kemeys Folly
Cemais Comawndwr
Knights Templar, Knights Hospitaller, George Kemeys, Archdeacon William Coxe
- Patronage Held By Knights Templar and Knights Hospitaller.
- Bridge Washed Away In Winter Floods In 1690.
- New Bridge Built In 1730.
- Chain Bridge Built In 1829.
- Current Iron Arch Bridge Built Between 1905 and 1906.
About Kemeys Commander
Kemeys Commander is a village located in Monmouthshire, South East Wales, noted for its distinctive position within a graceful bend of the River Usk. The village comprises a small collection of farms and cottages, situated slightly off the main road leading towards Abergavenny.
Historical and Naming Origins
The village's unusual name, Kemeys Commander, is historically significant. It derives from the fact that the patronage of the parish church, All Saints, was at one time held by the Knights Templar. Their ecclesiastical establishments were known as commanderies or preceptories, hence the 'Commander' part of the name. Following the dissolution of the Templars, their successors, the Knights Hospitaller, continued to derive income from demesne lands in the parish in the 16th century. The 'Kemeys' element of the name comes from the Welsh word 'cemais', meaning 'bend in a river', a fitting description of the village's geographical setting.
The Church of All Saints
The parish church of All Saints is a notable feature of Kemeys Commander. It is held in conjunction with the nearby parish of Bettws Newydd and possesses several interesting architectural elements. A small, low screen separates the nave from the presbytery, functioning in place of a traditional chancel arch as the entire building is unified under a single roof. The church exhibits a plain altar slab, a modern aumbry and piscina, and a Perpendicular east window. An exceptionally small window on the south side once provided light to the former rood loft. The structure features beams of a slightly flattened barrel roof and a wall-plate of considerable age. The font is octagonal, and entrance to the building is through a timbered west porch, above which is a turret housing two bells, one dating from the 13th century.
Infrastructure and Landmarks
Kemeys Commander is also associated with Chain Bridge, a crossing over the River Usk that carries the B4598 road. This bridge has a long history, with an earlier structure being washed away in 1690. It was replaced by a solid oak bridge in 1730, which was subsequently superseded by a chain bridge in 1829. The current iron arch bridge, with green-painted girders, was built between 1905 and 1906. Adjacent to the village is Kemeys Folly, originally a hunting lodge built in 1712 by George Kemeys, which was later rebuilt in the early 20th century to serve as the residence for the High Sheriff of Monmouthshire.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the origin of the name Kemeys Commander?
The unusual name 'Kemeys Commander' originates from the fact that the patronage of the parish church was once held by the Knights Templar, and their houses were termed commanderies or preceptories. The 'Kemeys' part of the name comes from the Welsh word 'cemais', meaning 'bend in a river', aptly describing the village's location.
What are some notable architectural features of the Church of All Saints?
The Church of All Saints features a small, low screen dividing the nave from the presbytery, as the entire building is under one roof. It also has a plain altar slab, a modern aumbry and piscina, a Perpendicular east window, and a very small window on the south side that once lit the rood loft. The beams of the barrel roof and wall-plate are of some age.
What is the history of Chain Bridge in Kemeys Commander?
A bridge has existed at this location since at least the 16th century. It was washed away in 1690 and replaced by an oak structure in 1730. This was later replaced in 1829 by a chain bridge built by Brown Lenox, and the current iron arch bridge was constructed between 1905 and 1906.
Is Kemeys Commander associated with any notable historical figures or groups?
Historically, Kemeys Commander was associated with the Knights Templar and later the Knights Hospitaller due to their holding the church patronage. The Kemeys family, though possibly not originating from this specific location, is linked to the area. George Kemeys built Kemeys Folly in 1712.
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