Skewen
Skewen () is a
village in South
Wales, part of
Neath Port Talbot county borough. On entering Skewen, there is a sign that claims that this is the largest
village in
Europe, with a population of approximately 8500 and it has also been argued that it is the 2nd biggest
village in the world.
Well known landmarks include
St. Johns Church, Cresci's Cafe and Jefferies Stores. Close by are the ruins of
Neath Abbey and the first top loading blast furnaces can also be seen near Neath Abbey. Drummau Mountain to the north of the village is also a popular landmark, as is the centuries old standing stone, Y Carreg Bica (or 'Maen Bradwen'), at the top. It is the birthplace of composer
David John de Lloyd and singer
Bonnie Tyler.
Katherine Jenkins also comes from the surrounding area.
Eddie Izzard, the comedian, lived in the village for a short while in his boyhood.
Skewen was once an industrial village. There are still the remains of a number of collieries and works in and around the village. To the south of Skewen, lies the village of
Llandarcy, next to the Llandarcy oil refinery.
Skewen Park is a large park in the Coedffranc district of Skewen. In recent years, the facilities at the park have become a bit run down. The annual village fete for Skewen is held here. The park has football pitches, bowling greens, crazy golf, tennis courts and a BMX biking course. Unfortunately, the football pitches are set on a slope but they are still very popular for practice with the local youth teams.
Caewathan is a small council estate to the south of Skewen. It is regularly served by local buses to Neath.
*
Coedffranc*
Fortune House, Skewen*
Skewen Colliery
