Welcome

Welcome to the Parish of Hewelsfield and Brockweir, two fairly small communities which only total about 400 residents, both lying for the majority of their area within the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty of the Lower Wye Valley.

Hewelsfield is situated approx 8 kilometres south of Coleford and lies on an upland plateau bordering the Wye Valley. It looks East over the river Severn to the Cotswolds and the hamlet itself is designated a Conservation Area comprising of a small accumulation of dwellings loosely gathered around a most imposing church. The church dates back to Norman times and probably had Saxon past, in fact the peculiar round shape of the church yard and it’s location on the trade route between the Rivers Wye and Severn probably denote a pre-Roman pagan background.
Until fairly recently the Parish was known as Hewelsfield, Brockweir being added after much discussion with the Forest of Dean District Council.
Brockweir, a small village clustered around one of the important entry points into England is located on the banks of the River Wye. This is the last point downstream that vehicles can safely cross the river until Chepstow and historically was a major thoroughfare. The River Wye is tidal until Bigsweir but Brockweir was the furthest point upstream that ocean going vessels could reach. Consequently it grew up as a large port. Hard to imagine today as it has become a sleepy quiet village.
The local pub and Moravian Church, which was built on a cock fighting pit, are reminders of a colourful past where there were some 16 inns to satisfy the demands of the shipping trade and where local boat builders built vessels of up to 90 tones. Brockweir was also a transit point for cargoes which were transferred to shallow barges and hauled upriver by teams of men and horses. Before the cast iron road bridge was built in 1904/06 there was only one narrow road into the village and access was usually by water, with a ferry taking travellers to and from the Welsh bank.
Other interesting buildings include the 16th century Manor House (facing the bridge), the Moravian Church (gothic windows and Art Nouveau glass) and the Malt House.

The hamlet of Hewelsfield and the village of Brockweir lie at opposite ends of the Parish with approximately 2 miles between them. The area is interspersed with small fields often bounded by substantial stone walls and sporadic housing on a southerly facing slope. A Village Shop was opened in 2004, managed by a paid manager and run by volunteers. This stocks excellent local produce, has a small café and internet facilities.

The area has a vibrant community life with many interests for residents. A Parish Information Pack is available from both the Village Shop and Parish Councillors which better describe what organisations exist in both our Parish and the neighbouring Parish of St. Briavels.

The Parish Council consists of 7 Councillors and a Clerk, meets monthly except in August at the Mackenzie Hall and is currently seeking Quality Parish status.

Luke Wilson (Chairperson)

Next Meeting: The next meeting of the Council is the Annual Parish Meeting on Tuesday 6th July at 7pm in 'The Loft', Village Shop, Brockweir. Agenda can be found here.

Last Meeting: The last minutes of the Council are for the May Meeting, click here