Sunday….. A Chapel in a Valley

The Church of Saint Melangell

Take the long narrow and winding road from the village of Llangynog, Powys, in to the shadow of the Welsh Berwyn Hills.  At sheltering at the very end of he road, you will discover this tiny but important historic Church.

The Church itself dates back to 12th century (modified in the 13 and 15th centuries and well maintained ever since) but like so many of our old churches, the site upon which it was built had an earlier religious  connection. Here at St. Melangell the graveyard is believed to have had a circular stone circle and was possibly a Bronze Age Burial site. The significantly, whole being surrounded by ancient Yew Trees.

The interior is simple but has a Wooden Rood Screen. Beyond the screen is the key to the important significance of this isolated Welsh Church.  It is the Shrine to Saint Melangell.  Melangell was a brave young woman, who defied the Lord of the manor and in so doing protected a Hare and much else in the countryside.

The story is too long for this blog, but St. Melangell’s story is well worth Googling if you are so minded.

If by chance you are exploring the Welsh Berwyn’s, take a trip up this narrow road…. and look out for the Church Gate and its Yew’s. It will be worth the adventure…

Wherever you are this Sunday…… as always….

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

15th October

(C) David Oakes 2023