P.S. For some reason I do not have a separate blog for churches, just a separate page I can't add to. Brain too fuddled to sort it out now.
We couldn't resist a drive out in the sunshine on Sunday, and after a disappointing trip to Talgarth (church locked and no exciting bits outside) we headed towards Llanfilo, which is about 2 miles away, on the slopes of the Dulas valley heading towards Brecon. It has early Medieval roots, although the actual church dates from several periods and there are possible hints to Norman architecture, although Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust query this. It was, of course, locked, so I didn't see the boulder-type font, which is almost certainly pre-Norman in date.
This excellent report by Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust gives details of the further extended Medieval village and road, now just crop marks.
There were lots of interesting old memorial stones on the walls. You should be able to enlarge them if you click on them.
These two were too damaged to have any memory of their dedication.
The dedication of the church is a little confused, as in the 1800s Theophilus Jones noted that it was dedicated to St Mildburgh, abbess of Much Wenlock and daughter of King Merewald of the Magonsaete. This was a sub-kingdom of Mercia based in Herefordshire.
I loved the pretty windows on the church and the unusually-shaped roof on the tower which dates to the late 19th C.
Hay Bluff in the background, running into the Black Mountains.
However, both Baring-Gould and Fisher claimed that Llanfilo church was dedicated to St Belyau, yet another of the offspring of King Brychan, being one of his many daughters whose saintly presence haunt most of Breconshire. This dedication is mentioned in 13th and 14th documents.
Outside of the churchyard is a reputed Holy Well dedicated to St Filo.
The Lych gate with its stone tiled roof.
Definitely one to revisit.
Old churches are fascinating, we have 2 wells here in Porthcawl. We went to look at the one and it was so heavily over grown we couldn't get to it.. shame, but that sort of thing happens a lot these days. all to do with cut backs I suppose.
ReplyDeleteOoh, must look up your wells in my Holy Wells book and see if they feature. I would love to find out the ones local to us. Must do some research.
ReplyDeleteI saw Porthcawl featured in last night's Who Do You Think You Are? Ruth Jones it was (never watched Gavin and Stacey so didn't know her). What a fascinating history she had though, though both her grandfathers.
I have seen that one from a distance but not been there. Talgarth church is kept locked so I found out but I have emailed the vicar and he will let you in if you ask you just need to arrange a time. Llanfilo looks a nice one to visit
ReplyDeleteI can see I am going to have to become a Vicar-botherer! It's so frustrating when 9 our of 10 are locked. Llanfilo had a nice atmosphere even outside, but I guess the sunshine helped a lot.
DeleteTalgarth heading towards my Welsh family stamping grounds around Pencelli and Brecon
ReplyDeleteWe looked at a house near Talgarth, but it had a resident ghost and I'd had enough of thoe thank you very much!
DeleteThere have been many serious thefts from small churches around there. A gang of people involved, not all of whom may have been caught. So it's not surprising that some churches are kept locked - sad, though.
ReplyDeleteI know you're right, but it is frustrating. I think the ones I really want to see inside, I will contact the Vicar and see who has the key.
DeleteA lovely post and such an interesting church. It looks as though it is in a very tranquil spot with stunning views. Such a shame about so many churches being locked - sometimes there are contact details where you can contact a key holder although I must admit I've never bothered. A holy well too - wonderful :)
ReplyDeleteIt's very pretty there and indeed, very tranquil.
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