Historic Churches of Wales
There
exist many fine examples of historic Churches throughout the Welsh landscape.
The ancient Church at Manordeifi, with its array of arresting features,
provides a fine example of old Church architecture.
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Historic, Celtic Welsh Church- Manordeifi Parish Church.
Setting and Church History.
Manordeifi Church is situated in the Teifi Valley meadows just outside Llechryd, in between the old settlements of Castell Malgwyn and Vaynor. This exquisite, old parish Church is a fine example of original Celtic architecture. Constructed of local stone and slate quarried from Cilgerran, the Church is unique in having remained largely unchanged since it was built in the middle of the thirteenth century.
The site itself is very ancient and, is thought to have been occupied since as early as 550-650 AD. Originally built of timber and clay, the Church is believed to have been dedicated to Llawddog, a famous Celtic Saint and miracle worker. The Church bell, found hanging in the 1200 AD turret, features the inscription‘sancti Laurenti Ora Pro Nobis’ suggesting the Church was later dedicated to St. Lawrence by the Normans. In the 12th century the Parish was formed and the Church rededicated to St. David.
Manordeifi Church is situated in the stunning Teifi Valley - Pembrokeshire
Manordeifi Church - Pembrokeshire
Particularly enchanting is the serenity of the unadorned, white washed
interior with its wooded box pews made individually by local craft men
for the families which owned them. Even the private fireplaces remain
intact.
The oldest feature in the Church is an ornamented, stone, Norman font.
The Church also boasts a fine example of an ‘Early English’
style, fourteenth century window in the South Chancel wall.
Dotted around the Church, among rambling Yew trees are many austere eighteenth century monuments, exquisite examples of Georgian craft including a memorial to the poet John Blackwell BA.
There are many family burial plots in the churchyard, often enclosed by elaborate, wrought iron railings which have become a captivating feature of this individual Churchyard.
The small stone cottage outside the gate was originally a stable block, used by members of the congregation who lived in more isolated areas of the Parish.
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