Place Name

Devil's Bowling Green, Gwent, Wales

Where the Bowls Roll on an arc and non-players

think you're having a Lark!

Introduction:

Devil’s Bowling Green is one of those Welsh place names that makes ye stop, blink, and mutter, “Oh behave.” It sounds like a scene from a mischievous folk tale, or a place where the devil pops down on a Friday night for a cheeky game of bowls and a pint of something fiery.

Say it aloud and you get a delightful mix of whimsy, woodland mystery, and the kind of humour only Wales can pull off. Where are you headed? “Just off to the Devil’s Bowling Green.” Cue the raised eyebrows, the smirks, and the inevitable “Hope he lets you win.”

But behind the cheeky name lies a genuinely enchanting woodland, full of history, folklore, and the kind of quiet magic that makes the Wye Valley so irresistible.

Toponymy:

Let’s break down this name:

Devil’s - A classic Welsh folklore flourish. Could refer to a mischievous spirit, a local legend, or simply a name given by someone with a wicked sense of humour. Wales is full of Devil’s Bridges, Devil’s Kitchens, Devil’s Noses, and now, apparently, his bowling green.

Bowling Green - Traditionally a flat lawn for bowls. Here, it is more of a poetic flourish, suggesting a clearing, a glade, or a place where something unusual once happened.

Together they form a name that makes visitors pause before sayin it aloud, wonderin if they are headin to a woodland clearing or a supernatural sports arena.

Historical Context:

The origins of Devil’s Bowling Green date back to the 18th century, though the land has been walked, worked, and whispered over for far longer. The Celts roamed these woods, the Normans passed through, and the locals have been telling stories here for centuries.

Legend tells of villagers who once challenged the devil to a game of bowls after a night of heavy drinking. The devil never turned up, but the laughter echoed through the trees until dawn.

Another tale claims the clearing was used for gatherings, storytelling, and the occasional prank that got wildly out of hand.

Whatever the truth, the name has stuck like moss to stone.

Points of Interest:

If yer in the area drop in and surprise us:

• Gwent Wildlife Trust Nature Reserve - A haven for birds, beasts, and botanists.

• Sugarloaf Mountain - A climb with views that make your heart swell.

• Abergavenny Museum and Castle - A deep dive into local history and legend.

• Llangattock Village - Quaint, peaceful, and full of charm.

• The Bell Inn - A proper pub for a pint, a meal, and a devilishly good yarn.

Notable Figures:

Folk with an affinity to the region:

• Henry V - Passed through Gwent during his campaigns.

• Blodeuwedd - Mythic figure woven from Welsh folklore.

• David Lloyd George - Welsh statesman whose legacy looms large.

• Roald Dahl - Storyteller whose whimsy suits a place like this.

• Sir Bryn Terfel - Welsh operatic powerhouse with roots in the region.

Conclusion:

So next time ye find yerself wanderin near Devil’s Bowling Green, take a wee moment to enjoy the charm of a name that refuses to behave. It is a place where the woods whisper, the legends linger, and the name itself gives ye a cheeky wink.

For more curious and strange place names across the UK and Ireland, check out www.strangeplacenames.com where every name has a story and a chuckle waitin to be discovered.

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