- St Garmon's Church, Llanfechain
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St Garmon's Church, Llanfechain 
St Garmon's Church, Llanfechain, from the southwestCoordinates: 52°46′31″N 3°12′13″W / 52.7753°N 3.2037°W OS grid reference SJ 188 204 Location Llanfechain, Powys Country Wales Denomination Anglican Website St Garmon's Church, Llanfechain History Dedication St Garmon Architecture Status Parish church Functional status Active Heritage designation Grade II Architect(s) R. K. Penson,
Douglas & FordhamArchitectural type Church Style Norman Groundbreaking 12th century Completed 1883 Specifications Materials Shale with sandstone dressings, red tile roof Administration Deanery Llanfyllin Archdeaconry Montgomery Diocese St Asaph Province Church in Wales Clergy Rector Rev Pam Powell St Garmon's Church, Llanfechain, is in the village of Llanfechain, Powys, Wales. It is an active Anglican parish church in the deanery of Llanfyllin, the archdeaconry of Montgomery, and the diocese of St Asaph,[1] and is a Grade II listed building.[2] The church has historical associations with St Garmon.[3]
Contents
History
The earliest documentary evidence relating to the church is in the Norwich Taxation of 1254 and its fabric dates from around this time. The roof dates from the 15th century and the south porch was added in the 17th century. Work was done on the church in 1852 but a larger restoration was carried out in 1859 under R. K. Penson when the vestry on the west wall was replaced by a new one on the north side. Changes were made to the gallery, the west gable was rebuilt, round-headed windows were inserted in the nave and the chancel, and a spire was added to the belfry. A further restoration took place in 1883 by the Chester firm of architects, Douglas & Fordham, who stripped plaster from the interior, removed the ceiling to expose the roof, and placed the pews with benches. The church was re-roofed with red tiles. In 1920 the bells were re-hung.[3]
Architecture
Exterior
The church is built in shale with sandstone dressings, and a red tile roof. Its plan consists of a nave and chancel with six bays in a single chamber, a vestry on the north near the west corner and a porch opposite it. Near the west end is a bell turret with a spire. At the chancel end and over the porch are metal cross finials. Above the bell turret is a slated broach spire which is surmounted by a weathercock. There is a clock face on the south side of the spire. On the east wall are three small windows, rather than the usual larger east window. The main door and a priest's door on the south wall are Norman. The other windows date from the 19th century. The window in the west wall is a "wheel window", with six lights and a central roundel, all in sandstone. The walls of the porch are timber-framed on stone plinths.[3]
Interior
At the west end is a gallery. Two steps lead up from the nave to the chancel, which has a barrel ceiling. At the east end is an oak reredos dating from 1890.[3] The font is probably Tudor and it was damaged during the Civil War. The pulpit is dated 1636 and the communion table has Jacobean carving. The ring consists of three bells which were hung in the 1730s.[2]
External features
The churchyard is circular in shape. It contains a sundial dating from the 18th century which is listed Grade II.[1] Also in the churchyard to the north of the church is a raised mound of earth, Twmpath Garmon, which is traditionally held to be the preaching mound of St Garmon.[4] The lych gate is also listed Grade II.[1] To the southeast of the village is a holy well, Ffynnon Garmon, which is also associated with the saint.[3]
Present day
The church holds services every Sunday and during the week. Other services are arranged as required. The Pathfinders meet weekly and the Mothers' Union monthly.[5]
See also
- List of church restorations, amendments and furniture by John Douglas
References
- ^ a b c Deanery of Llanfyllin, Church in Wales, http://www.churchinwales.org.uk/rb/deanery_c.php?dosommat=search&deanpk=9, retrieved 22 June 2009
- ^ a b St Garmon's Church, Llanfechain, Llanfyllin Deanery, http://llanfyllindeanery.org.uk/parishes/fechain.htm, retrieved 22 June 2009
- ^ a b c d e Church of St Garmon , Llanfechain, Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust, http://www.cpat.demon.co.uk/projects/longer/churches/montgom/16408.htm, retrieved 22 June 2009
- ^ Twmpath Garmon;Churchyard Mound, Llanfechain, Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, http://www.coflein.gov.uk/en/site/306787/details/TWMPATH+GARMON%3BCHURCHYARD+MOUND,+LLANFECHAIN/, retrieved 22 June 2009
- ^ St Garmon's Church, Churches of Llansantffraid & Llanfechain, http://www.llansantffraidandllanfechain.org.uk/stgarmon.html, retrieved 22 June 2009
Categories:- Churches in Powys
- Anglican churches in Wales
- Grade II listed churches
- Norman architecture
- John Douglas buildings
- Grade II listed buildings in Powys
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