This week I am doing a return visit to a church I wrote about back in 2015 St Matthew Llanewedd. Since then I have stopped off many times in the hope it would be open to no avail. This time I noticed the carved angel by the church sign so parked nearby and went to check, it was open. The photo's were taken on my iphone and I might add just after I started a group of really young children came in with there teachers and I had to work around them being careful not to tread on any
The church itself dates back to the 14th century and has a 14th century tower on it. It was heavily restored in 1877 and is an example of Victorian Gothic Revival architecture.
The carved angle who looked rather foreboding to me
A yew tree partly hides the church on the north side
The south side is more visible though I did take this photo as a pano with my iphone hence the curve
The gate on the porch was open a good sign, take note of the angles on it
The carving here looks more like Gandalf than a monk I presume it is meant to be
Gandalf's face
More angles hang over the door, there is also an inscription either side which is not easy to read
Walking in I could not help he overwhelmed by angles everywhere and just after this a little voice spoke and scared the like out of me. Reverend Linda was sat down out of sight behind me and told me all about the angles in the church. She did asked me to guess but I could not begin to think how many there could be
Most of the little angles you see were made by the children of the school across the road
they were everywhere in the nave
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the chancel including the large one on the altar they made
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It looked quiet impressive looking back down towards the nave. The stained glass window is by Clayton & Bell
The pulpit had them on it as well
I did manage a quick shot of the nave from it
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one the partition of the nave and chancel the panels have carved angles on it certainly carved a long time ago
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The stained glass was some of the nicest I have seen.Reverend Linda asked if I knew who made it all I could say is it looked Victorian
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and from what I could find out were made by by Burlison & Grylls
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This one I thought stood out
The font I was pleased to find out is 15th century
A couple pictures of angles
These are right of the door in the south wall
The church organ
Which is in the north aisle
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There are a couple more memorial plaques you can see in the nave
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Rather nice carved eagle lectern
A last panoramic view of the church taken from the pulpit
On the way out I noticed this headstone I had not seen the last time the carving on it I thought unusual
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Till next time have a peaceful weekend
You must have been pleased that the church was open and the Minister was there. It's good that the school children were involved with the angel making I expect as a school project. That carving on the headstone is unusual. Have a peaceful Sunday Bill.
ReplyDeleteCertainly was pleased, I was a little restricted when the kids came in and at times literally were under my feet they were so small but they were all very well behaved. The teacher took a photo of them all sat on a front pew. I have been in the churchyard a few times and only noticed it this time
DeleteWhen Tam and I were walking on the railway line, we went up to explore, but sadly it was locked and barred. A shame, now I see what we missed. The little paper angels are lovely and what a great school project. The predecessor to this church at Llanelwedd was actually inside what is now the showground - an overgrown hump on rising ground inside (an inner "holding" car park). I will try and gain entry again this week.
ReplyDeleteThe railway tunnel is always locked even when I was there its used for bats but the bridge was open and gives a good view down the river. Never knew that about the old church, I must have a look sometime. I'm not sure if there is an old font as you walk around the path at the east end of St Matthew
DeleteThis church is beautiful, and I like its architectural features. Stained glass art are amazing and attractive.
ReplyDeleteYes that was a stand out feature
DeleteWhat a pretty church and so pleased you finally found it open. The first large Angel doesn't look very friendly to me! and I agree the wooden sculpture bears a remarkable resemblance to Gandalf. Loved all the little angels in the church and what a great project for school children. Good to see the old font too.
ReplyDeleteI think it would scare people off rather than invite them in but It's well done but could have looked happier. The church turned out better than I expected
DeleteReally charming! The little angels are adorable and the carvings are quite wonderful.
ReplyDeleteMy favourite is the one at the door
DeleteThe interior is very appealing.
ReplyDeleteHow awesome the angels. Love they let the children do this.
ReplyDeleteYes it was most impressive
DeleteThe angels everywhere are absolutely lovely! There must have been hundreds of them. The carved angel outside certainly looked very grumpy. The memorial to the young lieutenant made me sad. I have a 19yo son and couldn't imagine the heartbreak of losing a son at that age.
ReplyDeleteI was asked to guess but no way I reckoned you were in the thousands
DeleteI love the statues and the gothic architecture - very Halloween! Thanks for sharing and for linking up with #MySundaySnapshot.
ReplyDeleteHopefully you will like what I did this week then
DeleteI should agree with you on the matter of the carved saint, though perhaps todays' parishioners might find some comfort in Gandalf's face. :B
ReplyDeleteReally lovely church, the Angel decorations are quite entertaining and so many beautiful original features. I especially love the headstone you photographed.