Leechpool smallholding settlement was established by the Welsh Land Settlement Society Limited in c1936 with the aim of providing employment for men from high unemployment areas. The Society set up 'Welsh Land Settlements', throughout the Principality, purchasing land for the purpose. Leechpool Farm, was owned by Monmouthshire County Council and situated near the village of Portskewett some 3 miles from Chepstow. The farm was 329 acres and the County Council provided houses and piggeries for small holdings varying from 6 to 10 acres. Glasshouses were also provided and a small acreage was used as a central farm. In 1938 it was reported that 40 unemployed men from the Special Areas in Monmouthshire had been in training on the scheme for some time and 26 families were in occupation.

After the Second World War, the farms proved unable to meet early market requirements, and the company's land and other interests were transferred to the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries.

References:
Glamorgan Archives: Welsh Land Settlement Society Ltd collection - reference code: GB 0214 DWLS
http://wlssealand.wordpress.com/
Black and white photographs dated 1947.

RCAHMW, 2014.