The village grew up around the castle dating back to 11th century whose turbulent past ended with gradual decay in the 14th century. It straddles the B4558 which was a main thoroughfare before the A40 existed, and the adjacent ford across the Usk made it an important crossing point. The canal brought trade plus goods for the shop and the Royal Oak pub which still trades successfully. With farming, the Castle camp site and Plas Pencelli Outdoor Persuits Centre are buoyant businesses.