Place-names in Powys are not decorative. They describe the land, often quite directly, though that is not always obvious at first glance.

Across much of the county, names come from Welsh, and many have remained in use for a long time, even where the language itself is less widely spoken. Once you begin to recognise the patterns, the names become easier to follow.

“Llan” is one of the most common elements. It usually refers to a church or an enclosed piece of land associated with one, often linked to an early saint. Llanidloes, Llandrindod and Llanfyllin all follow this pattern. “Aber” marks the meeting of waters, while “cwm” describes a valley, typically one that is enclosed. “Nant” refers to a stream, and “pen” to a head or high point.

These are not abstract terms. They match what is there. A place called “aber” will sit at a confluence. A “cwm” will be shaped in a particular way. In that sense, the names are practical.

Along the eastern side of the county, the pattern becomes less consistent. English forms appear more frequently, and some places have multiple names. Knighton, for example, is also known as Tref-y-Clawdd. Both are in use, though in different contexts.

Over time, some names have shifted in spelling or pronunciation. Others have been shortened or adapted. Even so, the underlying structure often remains. The older form is still there, even if it is not immediately clear.

Reading place-names takes a bit of attention. It is not something that resolves all at once. But once the main elements are familiar, the landscape begins to make more sense.