Myddfai: Healing, Village Church and Landscape

Myddfai brings together the history of the Physicians of Myddfai, a village church, old stories and a landscape of forests, fields and low ridges. This offers several themes to consider when planning your trip: the listed St Michael's Church, the historic tradition of remedies and the area around the village. The history of droving and what is on offer at Myddfai Community Hall & Visitor Centre also form part of the picture of the village.

St Michael's Church in the village centre

St Michael's Church stands in an almost circular churchyard in the centre of Myddfai and is a Grade I listed building. Inside the church, a carved memorial commemorates David Jones and John Jones, who are regarded as the Physicians of Myddfai. The memorial thus refers to two specific people within the broader local history of the Physicians of Myddfai. Its central location and churchyard describe the setting of the building; its Grade I listing adds its protected status to this sense of place.

Physicians of Myddfai: remedies and traditions

According to the records, Myddfai was a place often visited by physicians in the 13th century, where a collection of medicinal remedies was compiled. The remedies of the Physicians of Myddfai included details of ingredient quantities and preparation methods. This story is therefore about not only the ingredients used, but also the recorded quantities and steps involved.

For centuries, local physicians used a spring to prepare their remedies. The history of the Physicians of Myddfai is also linked to the legend of Llyn y Fan Fach and the Lady of the Lake. This legend, along with the historic tradition of remedies, is part of the village's cultural identity. Another historical focus is the 18th century, when Myddfai became a centre for droving. The different periods can thus be clearly distinguished: the tradition of remedies belongs to the history of the 13th century, while droving shaped a later period.

The Physicians Walk is a route through the village that connects plants and places with the Physicians of Myddfai. If you would like to use a printed copy, ask locally about its availability.

Talks, café and shop

Myddfai Community Hall & Visitor Centre offers talks about herbal medicine and the Physicians of Myddfai. Check the availability of talks before your trip. The centre's café serves homemade cakes as well as other meals for lunch or a snack. Check the café's opening hours before you travel. At the Myddfai Tŷ Talcen Shop, you can find handmade crafts, artworks, books and local produce; the selection may change.

Landscape and plants around Myddfai

The landscape around Myddfai is characterised by low ridges, extensive ancient forests, enclosed fields and winding roads. It lies below the uplands of Y Mynydd Du and Mynydd Myddfai. Rare and unusual plants can still be found around the village. When planning your trip, you can therefore distinguish between two separate points of interest: the history of remedies and the area's plant life. The village's history provides a cultural perspective, while the landscape features described here focus on the surroundings of Myddfai.

Discover more destinations

Felindre, Hendy, Llansadwrn, Cross Hands, Laugharne, Llangadog, Carmarthen, St Clears

For the regional travel overview: Carmarthenshire.