1. St. Beuno's - Trefdraeth

Introduction

If you were to hold a competition to design the archetypal 'country church' St. Beuno, Trefdraeth would win by a country mile.

Approached along a quiet country road from the village of Bethel you arrive at a spacious car park. On a sunny day the first sight is a sleepy churchyard, with the bell tower and roof peeping through its tree-fringe, with the dramatic backdrop of Snowdonia behind. Inside you'll find a beautifully proportioned church, superbly naturally lit with much to see, and no little history.

A Visit

The church we see today, having been built in the 13th century was added to in the 14th and 15th and underwent extensive repair and restoration in the 19th.
It has windows from the 14th and 15th centuries, as well as more modern stained glass, including a crucifixion scene by Charles Eames Kemp from 1907.

The churchyard is accessed by a gate a short way down a lane to the right as you approach from the car park. The walk through the archway into the churchyard itself feels almost theatrical as the wonderfully proportioned church emerges amid its ivy and surrounding monuments. Everything, from its striking tiled roof, to its porch, to its 14th century bellcote is just 'right'.

As you pass through the porch take a moment to look at the slate tablets flanking the door. These detail the donations that paid for its construction in 1761. The door swings open to reveal immediately in front of you the superb 12th century font (incidentally, take a look at the ingenious lock mechanism on the back of the door!). The font is carved with superb celtic knotwork patterns and is topped with a substantial iron-barred cover. An earlier cover dated 1714 is on display beneath the stained glass to your left.

Turning right you have the view along the Nave towards the altar, the careful use of natural light by its builders giving a very peaceful atmosphere. The Chancel has a very colourful and dramatic ceiling above a superb stained glass crucifixion scene and an altar adorned with fine polished plate.

The communion rail is 18th century as is the communion table iself and is marked and dated. It's worth spending some time admiring the roof timbers whch look impressively old and to be honest, just standing and taking in the masterly use of white walls and natural light, a truly beautiful church. A place of peace. When you leave, take a moment to stop at the mounting block outside the gate and look back over the wall towards the church. Enjoy the view!