Yesterday we did a little detour on the way back from Hay, so that our daughter could see this beautiful little church - and we weren't averse to seeing it again either. This is St Ellyw's church, at Llanelieu near Talgarth.
These 7th - 9th C Celtic-type crosses make it very special for me. Someone had marked out this spot as exceptional all those centuries ago when Christianity was in its infancy in Wales.
A small gravestone with the grass cut back so the inscription shows.
Above and below: the very unusual 14th/15th C screen, painted in red and stencilled with white roses and the ghostly impression of a now lost rood or crucifix.
Cleaning the Medieval painted walls revealed part of the royal coat of arms.
The Aubrey family lived in a house nearby, and this memorial is in tribute to a 17th C son: Here Lieth the body of Thomas Aubrey, son of William Aubrey, Gent, who departed this life the nine and twentyth day of October Anno Domini 1669 Age 4 (or 14 - bless him).
The Parish Chest - probably 15th C.
Black Mountain seen beyond the churchyard.
Then we drove up the hill and stopped for photos. Perfect weather and views in every direction.
Pen-y-Fan in the distance (above).
Duly noted. Will be out west at the end of the month for the Malvern Autumn show. If my knee is up to exploring, I may ask Howard to take a detour to this on Sunday before we head home.
ReplyDeleteIt's easy to find. However, I will warn you it is full of bat droppings at present (guess they only clear up for the Walking Festival and Talgarth Festival of the Black Mountains.)
ReplyDeleteWhy is Wales so beautiful? because the landscape is so difficult to live in. So glad that little churches still remain with their old interiors.
ReplyDeleteYou could have a point there Thelma. It certainly can be rather inhospitable, even along the beautiful coastline because there the westerly winds try to blow your roof off! We were going to view a LOVELY house overlooking the estuary in Ferryside, until Danny (who had lived in the village) said it was awful in winter as the wind was drawn up the river valley and it was like a wind tunnel!
DeleteWhat a beautiful little church and set in such lovely, wild place too. I did enjoy your photographs. Thank you BB.x
ReplyDeleteIt was very special - like the similar one at Kempley, near Dymock. I have a lovely book with some special Welsh churches in, so must seek a few more out to visit before the winter sets in.
DeleteGorgeous little church, and I love the pictures of the area.
ReplyDeleteGod bless.
Thanks Jackie - both the area and the church has a special feel to them.
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