 History & Heritage
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Old Llantrisant - St. Afran, St. Ieuan and St. Sannan
The Church of Three Saints was built in the 14th century but a 12th century font from an earlier church still survives
as does St. Afran's holy well. The south chapel was added in the 17th century. The church has not been used since the opening
of a new church in 1899. An interesting oak chest (1684) can be found in the nave.
Llanfaelog - St Maelog
The old church was totally replaced by the present church by the diocesan architect Henry Kennedy in 1848. The old 17th century
communion table survives as does a fine St. Cecilia window by Burne Jones.
Aberffraw - St. Beuno
The church may have originally been built as a royal chapel since Aberffraw was the site of the court of the Princes of
Gwynedd from the 7th century onwards. The south aisle of this double-aisle church was built in the 12th century and
the other aisle was added in the 16th century. The church was then restored in 1840. A 12th century arch of chevron stones
decorated with carved animal heads has been reset in the west wall inside the church.
Bodedern - St. Edern
A 14th century church that was restored in 1871 by the diocesan architect Kennedy. He kept many early features including the medieval
timber roof, 15th century windows and the original north doorway. An ancient inscribed stone found in a nearby Early Christian
cemetery commemorating someone called Ercagni has been removed within the church.
Llangwfan - St. Cwyfan
This old 12th century 'Church in the Sea' originally stood on a cliff of clay. A 1610 map shows that it was still attached
to the mainland. Years of erosion from the sea together with the building of a new church on the mainland led to the church falling
into neglect. It was later restored by Harold Hughes who prevented further sea erosion by building a protective stone sea wall.
The remains of a causeway that linked the island to the mainland are still visible.
Tal y Llyn - St. Mary
Originally built in the 5th century, the church has a 16th century chancel and south chapel dated 1700.
The primitive bench seating of the 16th century has survived together with an old font and decorated square bowl
from an earlier 12th century church.
Llangadwaladr - St. Cadwaladr
St. Cadwaladr might have been the 7th century last King of the British, Cadwaladr the Blessed. A 7th century inscribed
stone commemorates King Cadfan of Gwynedd, Cadwaladr's grandfather naming him 'the wisest and most renowned of all kings'.
The Meyricks of Bodorgan and the Owens of Bodowen, two great Anglesey families funded extensions and much decoration
of the church.
Newborough - St. Peter
The borough of Newborough was created by Edward I for the people of Llanfaes who were removed to make way for Beaumaris.
Nearby Rhosyr was a Welsh royal llys and it has been argued that the church owes its length to its
originally being two churches -
one for the court and one for the community.
SEE MORE HISTORIC CHURCHES >
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