Where sleeps the Dragon? Cefnllys and St Michael's church

This area is not far from Llandod - perhaps 2 1/2 miles?  Approached along a lane which became progressively narrower until it was the narrow single track with passing places we are very familiar with in Wales.  Only scary to people who can't reverse . . .

Unless we walked up there (and not doing that through thick tick-laden bracken), this was the best view we could get of Cefnllys Castle, a Medieval double castle which belonged to the Mortimers and at one point, Llewellyn ap Gruffydd.  Do check out the link - it's a good one and provides the photos I cannot.  HERE IS a link to Billy Blue Eyes'  visit here.

Rosebay Willowherb (Fireweed to some of you) growing on the hill by the car park.

A little off the beaten track.  Is it any wonder that a nowty Vicar in the late Victorian times hated having to come out here for services SO MUCH that he took the ROOF off the church.  HERE is a link to a photo of this poor abandoned church at that time.  

The church nestling amongst a ring of Yew trees.  The circular graveyard and bracelet of trees  shows how early a site it was.  The church was built in the 13th C (when the castle was established above it, which had a village attached). Probably a 10th or early 11th C site prior to that.

Up through the trees (and the sheep).

There were lovely views.

The church - which is so much better with a roof!  HERE IS A LINK to Billy Blue Eyes' Visit, many thanks to him.

As you can see - a Mortimer connection, through the castle above it and the control of this area and Maelienydd beyond it.

As I took the header picture, a male Redstart flew up and across the field to the trees a hundred yards away.  

As you can see, the village was close by the church.  I believe there was a Mill at one time too.

The Priest's Door.

The last paragraph reads, "There is a local legend that the last Welsh Dragon lies asleep deep in Radnor Forest and that long ago the people of the area built four churches in a circle round the forest.  These were dedicated to St Michael, the conqueror of the dragon (Self: Not St George then, as in England and Jordan!) to make sure he does not escape.  Many believe that if any of these churches is destroyed, the dragon will waken and ravage the countryside once more.  (Guess they had a close call in 1893 then).  The churches are Llangihangel Cefnllys in this parish, Rhydithon, Llanfihangel Nantmelan and Llanfihangel Cascob.

(Self: this was written about in one of Phil Rickman's novels.)  Tam and I have been to Cascob, but that too was locked and we couldn't get the key from the nearby cottage, as no-one was in.  We will have to try again.

 Isn't this just a divine view?  From St Michael's church, which sadly we couldn't go inside as it appeared to be locked - I twisted the door ring and did my damndest, but no, entry was denied us.  The porch was as near as we got!

Looking up at the Tower.

Meadow Cranesbill.

Peacock Butterfly amongst the wild flowers at the back of the church.

Inside the porch.  Poor man died in his prime.

It was very peaceful in the churchyard, apart from the sheep blethering and the sound of crows.  A beautiful spot and worth visiting.