The Church is dedicated to St Ellyw, or Elli, daughter or grand-daughter of Brychan who gave his name to Bryncheiniog (Brecon). By some it is said to be dedicated to St Elli, a Saint of the 6th Century (500-550), the second Abbot of Llancarfan.
The ancient churchyard, within the magnificent circle of yews, indicates that it was a sacred spot in pre-Christian times. These yews, which cannot easily be equalled in our country, were probably planted when the present Church was built, between 1200 and 1250, and are therefore at least 800 years old, but look older than those in Llanyre Churchyard (Radnorshire), mentioned in the Doomsday Book.
Opposite the main entrance is the old preaching cross which is probably of the same age. The damaged cross which caps it today is not the original, but may have been once on top of the Church. The shaft was also considerably taller, square at the base then octagonal up to the cross.
There were two building periods in its history; to the first, 1175-1250, belong the font, the south aisle and the tower. The north aisle was added in 1626, possibly through the influx of wealth following the foundation of the Clydach Iron Works.
The tower, of early English style, is of the fortified type, of which many specimens remain along the Welsh border. By looking at the windows inside, some idea of the width and massive strength of the walls can be gained.
Outside, in the south wall, opposite the chancel arch may be seen the low priest’s door of early 13th century work.
On the right of the east window in the north aisle you will see a Piscina in good order. Here was evidently at one time a private Chapel.
Under the St Elli window is an old communion table dated 1624. The present altar is reputed to have been taken out of the cellar of Aberclydach House. It is the older of the two and a magnificent specimen of Elizabethan work. Around 1908 local craftsmen, the Rackham brothers, wheelwrights and millers in Gilwern whose photographs are on an old print of bell ringers taken around that time (on the wall of the belfry) repaired the table. This table was also restored around the 1980’s by Chappel Conservation, Sunnybank, Maesygwartha. The
Font is without mark or lettering, dating from the time of the building of the Church. It is possibly older and may be Norman.
The Registers commence in 1701 and record the baptism of a distinguished parishioner, Sir Bartle Frere, 1815-1884, born at Clydach House, whose family owned the Clydach Iron Works. He later became Governor of Cape Colony and High Commissioner of South Africa. Also of Frederick John Jane (1842) born at Pantybeiliau, later Bishop of Chester. An interesting entry is ‘Ann Lewis “was bury’d” according to “ye late Act of Parliament, in sheep wool only”.’
In the tower are six bells, one dated 1908, two 1715 and two 1626, but the oldest dates from 1440 and is one of the oldest in Wales. It is inscribed:-
“S’CE ELLINE, THESU CAMPARA (M) SEMPER TIBI PROTIGE SANA (M)”
Which might be translated “Elinus, Saint of Jesus, ever keep thy bell safe and sound”. It was cast in Bristol by John Gosselin.
An early tombstone dates from 1636 recording the death of Jennett, wife of William Edwards. On several of the tombstones may be seen the sculpture of an artist (?) of the 17th century, in a style peculiar to himself. It consists of simple outlines of something like men and women (see figure on south wall in chancel), the latter being distinguished from the former by caps resembling the blind bridles of carriage horses, a ruff around the neck and a petticoat. The hands of both are in supplicating posture. See also the north side of the Sanctuary.
Welsh services continued to be held here until the beginning of the 20th century. In this church ministered for some years the great Welsh scholar and patriot, The Rev. Thomas Price (Carnhuanawe) author of the ‘History of Wales’.
This Church has always been a favourite place for weddings, whilst its many funerals testify to the wishes of its sons and daughters to seek their last rest in this sacred and quiet spot.
- For more information about the saints named Elli:
- W J Rees & Thomas Wakeman; 1853; Lives of the Cambro British saints, of the fifth and immediate succeeding centuries, from ancient Welsh & Latin mss. in the British Museum and elsewhere, with English translations and explanatory notes.
- Renn, RDW Rev Dr; 1976; The Age of the Saints, within;
- Walker, David (ed.); 1976; A History of the Church in Wales; Church in Wales Publications, Penarth, South Glamorgan.
- Rice Rees (31 March 1804 – 20 May 1839; a Welsh cleric and historian.)1836; An Essay on the Welsh Saints or the Primitive Christians, Usually Considered to Have Been the Founders of the Churches in Wales.
- Sabine Baring-Gould & John Fisher; 1911; The lives of the British saints; the saints of Wales and Cornwall and such Irish saints as have dedications in Britain. Vol. III.
- Rev. T Price & Jane Williams; 1855; The Literary Remains of the Rev. Thomas Price, Carnhuanawc, Volume 2; chapter VII. pp. 61 -.
Page last updated on 28th November 2024