TODAY is Valentine's Day and couples across Powys will be lavishing one another with love.

We are surrounded by inspiration and even many place names across Powys owe their name to matters of the heart.

The County Times shares four Powys locations and place names inspired by love and one evoked by loss.

Caersws

The name is derived from the Welsh placename elements 'Caer' and 'Sws.

While Caer translates as fort and likely refers to the Roman settlement. The derivation of the second element is less certain.

Other suggested etymologies include the name retaining a Roman-era dedication to Zeus, and the fact that sws can be literally translated to kiss in modern Welsh has led to a number of developing folk etymologies.

County Times: The Buck, Caersws. Picture by Erian Evans/Geograph.

The Buck, Caersws. Picture by Erian Evans/Geograph.

 

Heartsease

Heartsease is a small settlement or hamlet in Powys, Wales. It is close to the border with England and lies near the junction of the two counties of Herefordshire and Shropshire and home to spring water company Radnor Hills.

A romantic legend attributes the name to a comment made by Owain Glyndŵr whose heart was set at ease when he glimpsed Wales upon returning from England.

County Times: Heartsease chapel. Picture by Alun Hughes/Geograph

Heartsease chapel. Picture by Alun Hughes/Geograph

 

Darling Road, Brecon

WE cannot be sure of the history behind this gloriously romantically named road in Brecon.

However it is thought it was named in honour of the Grace Darling, a tow boat which worked the Monmouthshire and Brecon and Abergavenny canals, carrying coal, iron and limestone.

OTHER NEWS

Love Lane, Builth Wells

ANOTHER romantically named location with no certain origins.

However perhaps this lane was named by the townspeople in honour of their shared affection of the town.

County Times: Love Lane, Builth Wells. Picture: Google.

Love Lane, Builth Wells. Picture: Google.

 

Lonesome Lane, Newtown

ON the fringes of Newtown before reaching the neighbouring village is Lonesome Lane.

Certainly it is one of the more forgotten parts of the town and perhaps that is why the town's founders opted to call this part of the town 'Lonesome Lane'.

County Times: Lonesome Lane in Newtown. Picture by Stephen Craven/Geograph.

Lonesome Lane in Newtown. Picture by Stephen Craven/Geograph.


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