Saturday 19 January 2019

St. Dubricus Gwenddwr


This was the second of the churches I managed to visit that were in the hills outside Erwood, this marked another of the churches outstanding on my map. The church looks to date back to 6th century but I can find little history on the church other than on the Benefice website so I'll let you click on the link to find out more.



After walking up a track that passed a house you come out on this path leading though the churchyard.

It passes the South side of the church



Towards the short tower on the West end that is quite a common type around here





The North side with the small windows






Here we look along the North side towards the tower





The East end across the churchyard














The church is single cell so the nave and chancel blend together




The altar is tidy with fresh flowers




The altar cross has a plaque saying is was presented for the safe return of four service men that served in the Great war
Turning around you get this great view down the church






There are two organs in the church though I could not say which is used in the services
















Above the pulpit and lectern and the view down the church from it






The church bible open on one of the pages












Above the one Stained Glass window showing St Dubricius

The kneelers around the church show various scenes like this collie uses on the local farms





One showing the church




and a leaf














The windowsills are decorated with vases of flowers
Even the font had a display on it






Outside in the churchyard you can see many tombs over by the boundary




Looking back along the churchyard more of headstones can be seen




The odd one being covered in ivy





The North side has many more





Above one Commonwealth war grave to Gunner J.J.Smith

Left the East end of the churchyard




Some of the North side headstones





Couple of Chest Tombs




A family vault




Above the main monument in the vault which is in very good condition with the nave readable

Right some new headstones with older ones in the background





One of the chest tombs which is in good condition though the writhing is getting a little faded




A small table tomb




Above another chest tomb which is breaking apart

Left a tomb where the inscription is visible




Near the tomb with the faded writing are ore chest tombs of varying height and age
Above a leaning cross marks another grave

After this I went across the road to visit the chapel ,




normally this would warrant it's own blog but I only took three photos there was little to see





The plaque tells you it is Bryn Sion Congregational Chapel erected 1888

The chapel looks like it is still in use though there is very little area around the outside and no cemetery to see but the rest is well maintained 

That is my blog for this week, I will leave you with this view of the font cover with a vase of flowers and ears of corn.
Have a happy & peaceful weekend 


10 comments:

  1. Small and simple, but interesting. From the photographs it looks as though it is very well loved, kept clean and tidy, lovely tapestry kneelers, polished surfaces protected with cloths, etc. I wonder whether you get a sense of its' long history from the atmosphere of the building?
    The churchyard is full of interest, it must have served some fairly wealthy parishioners. The church roof still looks to be in good condition - did you check out the condition of the roof of the alehouse?

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  2. Hello Billy!
    A lovely little church. Its architecture attracts attention.
    Another exceptional cemetery. I like visiting cemeteries very much. Wonderful relationship, Billy.
    Have a nice, joyful Sunday.

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  3. Bill you are indeed the Church Explorer! St Dubricus is a wonderful wee church beautifully shown here. The kneelers are adorable, I can just see the ladies of the church arranging flowers etc and putting everything in order. Well kept graveyard also, some stones wearing better than others is to be expected. Enjoyed the visit very much, as always ✨

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  4. ...Bill, the interior of this church has a warm and welcoming look. The kneelers are a wonderful addition.

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  5. A beautiful little church, well looked after. The kneelers and flower arrangements are delightful. The link about the history of the church is interesting and the stained glass window featuring St. Dubricius very nice. Good to see the nearby chapel also. Have a peaceful week Bill.

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  6. A lovely church, inside and out. The kneelers are a nice touch.

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  7. Nice work! You are the expert at photographing church interiors. Great variety of shots.

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  8. Very nice. It looks like such a solid building.

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  9. I am the secretary and treasurer of this church. It is indeed loved and has a congregation of about a dozen for regular services - but the church almost full for Harvest Festival and the Carol Service. The parish area is huge - but with a population of only about 250. As Bill discovered, the Church is open every day. There is a children's treasure hunt and a village puzzle trail for visitors to try. Do come and visit!

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    Replies
    1. Thanks I should drop down there again and take a few more photo's

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