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).
