The name 'Betws' is generally thought to be derived from the Anglo-Saxon 'bed-hus' - a house of prayer, or oratory,[2][3] and means "chapel" in the Welsh language.

Until the 19th century, when Ammanford developed extensively, Betws was the largest village in the area.

[9] Betws drift coal mine opened in 1976 and closed in 2003[10] and the land is being redeveloped as housing and industrial units, including LBS Builders Merchants.

[14] As of May 1, 2008, the Betws ward electorate was 1,450 and the County Councillor is Audrey Jones (Independent), replacing John Dorian Evans (Labour).

[17] Ammanford football club have a ground at Rice Street, Betws, which is currently being reconstructed.

Red kite, raven, buzzard, kestrel and sparrowhawks can be found on the mountain, whilst kingfisher, dipper and cormorant can be seen on the river.