There can be few more peaceful places than Llanynys
Church. This ancient church, the old mother church of the southern Vale of
Clwyd, is one of the most interesting churches in North Wales. The church is
bounded by fields, the only other buildings near the church being a pub and
a small cluster of houses. There is a yew tree in the churchyard which is
said to be at the centre of the point of the Vale of Clwyd.
Llanynys Church has its origins in the
6th century when it was founded by Saeran a Celtic saint bishop. Parts of
the present church date from the 13th century. The most famous feature of
the church is a 15th century wall painting of St Christopher. This was
discovered in 1967. St Christopher is the patron saint of travellers.
There is an Elizabethan panel near the
altar with interesting carvings and a fine Georgian chandelier. The church
also has a dog tong, which were used to keep fighting dogs in order during
church services!
The village of Rhewl, 2 miles north of Ruthin on the
main A525 is in the parish of Llanynys. A small wooden church was built in
1922 to serve this community as a church and a community hall.
Services are held regularly at Rhewl
Church.
GROUP VISITS
Llanynys Church makes an interesting
visit for groups. Whether your group be a church group, an educational
group, a history group, or any other, you will find plenty of interest in
your visit to Llanynys.
We can arrange for a guided talk about
the church, or for an act of worship which can be led for you, or your group
can just visit to look around, to paint or draw the church, or simply to
have a time of peace in this busy world.
While we welcome individuals to visit
any time when the church is open (usually between 10:00am and 4:00pm), we
would ask groups to book their visit in advance so we can arrange a welcome
for you.
QUIET DAYS
St Saeran's Church is available for
quiet days (from May to September). These could be for a full day or half a
day and we can discuss your requirements with you for a day of prayer or
meditation. It is essential that quiet days are booked in advance and not
all days may be available. Please contact us by using the link at either the
top or bottom of the page for more details or to make a booking.
CHURCH YARD RESTORATION
The community of Llanynys is working on
a churchyard restoration project. Being the 'Mother Church' of the southern
Vale of Clwyd the churchyard and its plants and animals form a vital link
dating back thousands of years.
A conservation plan has been drawn up by
Shaun Burkey, Community and Conservation Officer and supported by the
village residents and the Parochial Church Council. "In a world of intensive
agriculture, churchyards are becoming increasingly recognised as jewels of
nature conservation, it is a real shame that nationally we have lost 98% of
hay meadows within the last 50 years alone".
The intention is to tidy up the
churchyard, introduce native wildflower beds and to allow areas of the
grassland to 'express itself' and become a flower rich hay meadow. "It is
very exciting when a hay meadow is established because you never know what
plant species are lying dormant in the soil, especially soil as ancient as
this", said Shaun. "The aim is to provide a natural habitat that will
attract and sustain local wildlife, whilst creating peaceful and attractive
surroundings for us all to enjoy.
