of the population could speak Welsh, a rise from 5.8% in 2001. Governance An electoral ward in the same name exists. This ward stretches from Devauden to Llangwm. The total ward population taken at the 2011 census was 1,480. A field of three acres (1.2 ha) called "Crooked Billet", north of the village on the B4293 road, used to be part of the county of Herefordshire. It was transferred to the Monmouthshire in 1844. Chepstow Park Wood Chepstow Park Wood, located immediately south of the village towards Itton, is an extensive area of mixed woodland owned and managed by the Forestry Commission, and popular with walkers. It was established as a hunting forest and deer park in around 1280 by Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk, the lord of Striguil or Chepstow Castle. It covers about 3,300 hectares, and was originally enclosed by a fence stretching 7.8 km. Around 1340, it was occupied and taken over by a band of outlaws led by William de Derneford and his son Robert. It was re-enclosed with a stone wall around 1630, and at the same time a stone lodge was built in the centre of the forest, with views back towards Chepstow, for the use of visitors to the forest. Later, the wood became notorious as a haunt of highwaymen. Historically, the woodland lay within the parish of Newchurch East. Chepstow Park is listed at Grade II on the on the Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales. Amenities The Hood Memorial Hall was opened in 1953, funded by a local resident, Mrs. Hood, on land donated by Lady Curre. The pub, the Mason's Arms, dates from around 1800. The village is located within the Wye Valley AONB. The recently created garden at Veddw House is an increasingly popular visitor attraction. References External links village website www.geograph.co.uk : photos of Devauden and surrounding area Veddw House Garden Villages in Monmouthshire Communities in Monmouthshire Monmouthshire electoral wards Registered historic parks and gardens in Monmouthshire