Wednesday 15 June 2022

Nantgwyllt church, Elan Valley

 


Looking across the Garreg-ddu Viaduct to the Foel valve tower from the church.


Nantgwyllt Church dates from 1903, when the building was completed.  It replaced a much earlier church which was buried beneath the reservoirs when the valleys were flooded to provide water for Birmingham.


The font was plain but stylish. I disturbed a young family with their daughter and family dog, who were cleaning the church as there is to be a wedding there this week.


The apse, light and functional.


These four sculptures were designed by the architect for the entire project, Stephen W Williams, and depict himself, water engineer James Mansergh, Secretary of the Water Department Anthony Lees and 
Alderman Lawley Parker, Chairman of Birmingham City Council Water Committee. All those whiskers!





One simple but beautiful stained glass window.


More attention to detail with these sculptures dividing the nave and the apse.


This memorial to Thomas Lloyd was salvaged from the old church and dates back to 1782.


A further memorial to John Pickering, who sadly only made it to 37 years of age.

 


This homily was on the lecturn.



HERE is a link to more information about the church and photographs of its surroundings.


Worst photo ever - Wall Butterfly.  Guess who left the camera on scenery?!!

12 comments:

  1. Those engineers were not shy or modest then! Bit like Adolphe Sax who decided to name his instrument after... well, himself of course!

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    1. Definitely blowing their own trumpets, but at least they have been remembered - except you need to go and look up who they are! Adolphe Sax was obviously one of the same ilk. :)

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  2. I thought it would be a a draw to you being as you drive past and it stares at you when you cross the dam. The reservoir gets low in the hot weather and you can see the lower dam sometimes. I always wondered if the old church makes and appearance though I have a feeling it was flattened.

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    1. I meant to visit the church when Tam and I did a walk round the Reservoir last year, but by the time we got back we were shattered and said, another time. Sunday was that other time.

      I have a feeling that the church was flattened too, along with the Manor house.

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  3. Lovely sculptures and the view is awesome.

    God bless.

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    1. Fabulous views all around the Elan valley. A special place.

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  4. What a lovely little church. Love the way it goes down the hill on the outside.

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    1. Ah, the lie of the land. Waste not, want not! A lovely place to build it though.

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  5. That is a pretty little church and in a lovely setting.

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    1. It was worth visiting and I have satisfied my curiosity now.

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  6. Love the four sculptures. Posterity, remember me. Also like the church for its simplicity.

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    1. They were well executed - you would certainly recognize these men if you saw them in the flesh. A simple church indeed. Feel sorry for the bride who was married there today (I assume it was a Saturday wedding) as it's poured all day long.

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