Silent Sunday….. So Off to Church

Saint Melangell’s Church, Pennant Melangell, North Wales

This is a church you really have to search for.  It is hidden at the end of very narrow road in Cwm Pennant in the shadow of the Berwyn Hills. There at the very end of the road, hidden away behind high Yew Hedges and through a Stone Lych Gate, you will find the Church dedicated to Saint Melangell.  Built in the 7th century it has a story as old as the church itself * .  If you read the story below you will soon see that this rather small but important church is very much a place of Pilgrimage and also explains the reason for its immaculate upkeep.

So step inside admire the wooden beams and Rood Screen, move closer and you will find the Shrine to Saint Melangell.

*  Now read the story of Saint Melangell

There once was a Prince by the name of Brochwel hunting in the valley of Pennant. His hounds put up a Hare that after a chase went to cover in a thicket. When the Prince investigated he found a young virgin by the name of Melangell at prayer and the Hare hiding beneath her long robes. The hounds would not approach her and in fact took off despite the huntsman’s best efforts to seek out the Hare. Prince Brochwel ask the young girl her name and her intentions. She told the Prince that she had come to this tranquil and serene valley to seek refuge and peaceful sanctuary. The Prince was so impressed with her godliness that he granted the valley to her…..so it is here that Melangell founded her religious community.

17th February

(C) David Oakes 2019