St Stephen's Church, Llanstephan, near Glasbury-on-Wye

 

After we went to the Craft Shop, we were tootling along the back lane when I saw a sign for St Stephen's Church and did an abrupt left turn.  Got there more by luck and instinct than any signage - although there was a sign when we needed it most, but it was a fair old climb. Here is the stone-roofed lytchgate - apologies for missing off the end part on the left which once housed the parson's horse.

The approach was through a ring of yew trees, and below, one of the fine memorial stones.  The carving is beautiful (and doubtless expensive at the time).

It is high up on a hillside above the Wye valley, and commands beautiful views.

This was such a beautiful oak tree, I had to take a photo.

The tower of the church is believed to be 14th C. with some tinkering in Victorian times in all probability.  The windows and doors of the church are 19th C replacements and the 15th C porch remodelled in the same period. The nave is 13th C. with an original South doorway from this date.  More information HERE.

Fabulous views across to the Brecon Beacons.

In 1818, there was a description of a rood screen and loft, in oak, "very elegantly carved, with rosettes and vine leaves intertwined, supported by oak pillars", whilst a stone slab formed the communion table.  Alas, now all gone. Presumably the Victorian makeover did for them what the Reformation didn't.  More info HERE.

The font is probably 14th C, raised on a 19th C base.

The stone pulpit is 19th C.

This photo came out, a beautiful tribute to Hugo Phillips, 3rdBaron Milford of Llanstephan.

There was a beautiful triptych overlooking the altar.

Part of the old furniture of the early church, where church documents and valuables would have been kept.

This was worth a visit, and the scenery stunning, even in winter.

Yesterday it was Keith's turn for the dentist (check up) and so we went to Llandovery.  I couldn't park opposite as I had hoped, so got the wheelchair out to get Keith there.  However, after he'd seen the dentist, he walked out of the surgery, then across the road and back to the car!  This is the furthest he has walked in months, and I was delighted.  Only 75 yards or so, but considering he's just been going up and down the kitchen this is progress indeed.  Partly the increased levels of Thyroxine treatment and partly the new patch, which works round the clock to stop dopamine being blocked.  This has been a game changer.  Before, when the Rasagaline wore off (mid-afternoon) Keith hit a brick wall mobility-wise.  Fingers x'd he can continue to make progress.  We are going to try a short walk up by Jewsons' tomorrow, as that has just been resurfaced and is nice and level.