I have just added this to the map of places to fly your drone at Drone Scene:
Aerial images reveal the evocative ruins of Runston Chapel, the last remnant of a medieval village in Mathern, Monmouthshire.
The chapel, dating from the 12th century, displays Norman architectural features including a robust chancel arch and distinct nave. The surrounding landscape, now dense thickets, masks the village’s disappearance as hidden beneath the turf lie the foundations of the old cottages.
By the mid-16th century, the village had already shrunk significantly. Records suggest only about nine of the original 25 houses were still inhabited. This was likely due to changes in farming practices (such as the shift from labour-intensive crops to sheep farming) and the general migration of people toward larger, more prosperous settlements like nearby Chepstow.
Subtle earthworks around the chapel indicate former building platforms, sunken lanes, and garden crofts. The chapel endured due to its consecrated status, hosting burials until 1770, long after the village was deserted.
I’ve added as a piece of extra media an AI mock-up of what the church and village would have looked like in its heyday 8 centuries ago
Runston is now a Scheduled Ancient Monument under Cadw
The originator declared that this location was not inside a Flight Restriction Zone at the time of being flown on 08/03/2026. It remains the responsibility of any pilot to check for any changes before flying at the same location. Landowner permission may be required before taking off.
