Cwm, Llanrothal

Cwm comprises two separate houses, Upper Cwm and Lower Cwm, divided by a walled forecourt in the Herefordshire countryside. The Grade II listed buildings retain traces of earlier structures and feature preserved bee boles that mark the site's agricultural past.

The site was established in 1622 as a center for priest training, though it later faced mounting religious pressure. A turning point came in 1678 when Protestant officials raided the location during the Popish Plot crisis and seized materials from its library.

This served as the Welsh Jesuit College of St Francis Xavier starting in 1622, where priests were trained and religious communities gathered. The buildings still carry the mark of this spiritual mission in the landscape of rural Herefordshire.

This Grade II listed structure sits about 5 miles from Pontrilas in rural countryside and is best reached by car from nearby roads. Visitors should be aware that public access may be restricted since it remains in private hands and is not a formal visitor attraction.

The twin houses generated substantial income from their lands during the early modern period, helping to sustain the religious community independently. This financial self-sufficiency was unusual for a Catholic institution operating in Protestant territory and contributed to its survival.

Location: Llanrothal

GPS coordinates: 51.85472,-2.74333

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:43