Llanddewi Brefi – Llan meaning sacred land, Dewi the welsh name for David and Brefi is the name of the river that flows through the village.
Llanddewi Brefi is a small village of around 500 residents. It is one of the largest parishes in Ceredigion spanning from the idyllic chapel Soar y Mynydd to the village of Llanddewi Brefi. St David the patron Saint of Wales is believed to have performed one of his miracles in the village. Legend has it that a crowd of people had come to listen to St David preach but couldn’t see him. He placed a handkerchief on the ground and the ground rose underneath him and everyone was able to see. St David’s church now stands on the small hill. The church is a Grade II* listed building.
TV and Film
The village and surrounding area has been used as a film set on various occasions ‘We are Seven’ and welsh film ‘Y Llyffant’ have been filmed here. Who remembers the popular comedy series Little Britain? Did you know that the character Daffyd Thomas played by Matt Lucas was from a village called Llandewi Brefi? Over the years hundreds of people have taken their picture by the entrance sign to the village.
Cwm Brefi
Take a walk from the village towards Cwm Brefi. This is a very pretty valley with the river Brefi flowing through the mountains. On your left on the top of the mountain you will see Craig y Foelallt. A split rock where legend has it that after an oxen had died, another one bellowed nine times so loud that it split the rock.
Operation Julie
Back in the mid 1970’s a huge police investigation was held into the production of LSD. The operation involved 11 police forces over a period of more than 2 years leading up to the breakup of the largest LSD manufacturing operations in the world. LLanddewi Brefi village played a big part in the operation during the 1970’s with a lot of undercover police officers living with the drug dealers in the local area. To get more information search Operation Julie into your search engine.
Village ameneties
You will find a shop which sells everything you need. Daily newspapers fresh bread and local produce all within a 4 minute drive away or a 20 minute walk. A children’s playground and there are 2 pubs – The New Inn serving food and The Foelallt Arms.
