Llantysilio Parish Church

The church is part of the Llangollen Group of Churches and dates from 1180, before the foundation of Valle Crucis Abbey, although was probably preceded by an original wooden church sited on a pre-Christian pagan place of worship. Visitors today write of the sense of peace and spiritual calm they find in the church and it is likely that this has always been the case, and is the very reason for its beautiful location here, rather than nearer to the centre of the village. The church, like a number in North Wales, is dedicated to Saint Tysilio, a Welsh Bishop and son of Brochwel, King of Powys. The west wall of the church is largely original, but the church has been extended and remodelled many times, most notably in 1580, 1718 and 1869, this last time by the German stonemasons that re-built Llantysilio Hall in the Gothic style under instruction from the famous railway engineer, of Carl Friedrich Beyer, originally of Saxony. The roof is late medieval with a wooded wagon canopy over the altar. Other medieval features are the carved oak lectern in the form of a raven, a stone font and the stained-glass north Saints window (1465 est) depicting St James, the patron of pilgrims. Very fitting as the church is located on the medieval pilgrim route. Interestingly, the outside of the window is framed by ancient Saxon stone work. The other stained glass is more recent and more sophisticated but equally beautiful. The west window (1895) is a stunning example of pre-Raphaelite form with flesh tones, especially the faces of the cherubs in the rose at the top, that come to life in the late afternoon sun. The window was erected in memory of Gertrude Edwards of Trevor who died in childbirth at the age of 23. The south windows in the chancel are modern and depict the Adoration of the Shepherds (1928) and, in the south window of the nave, the superb St Tysilio window is a feature of the Church and dates from 1972. The east window of the chancel dates from 1893 and is a replacement for an earlier version of the Crucifixion. A memorial behind the font to Lady Helena Faucit and a brass plaque to Robert Browning are testimony to the Victorian interest in the place and are amongst other artefacts of interest both within the church and in the graveyard. Helena was one of the top Shakespearean actresses of the time, and lived at Bryntysilio Hall with her husband Sir Theodore Martin, official biographer to Prince Albert. There is a beautiful oak rood screen of high quality – dating from the early C20th – which is a War Memorial for those who fell in the First World War, and which forms part of the co-ordinated suite of exceptionally fine and well-proportioned sanctuary fittings which includes the pulpit, altar-table, reredos and choir. As the main focal point of the building this suite is – whilst relatively modern – a key part of the character of the building. The reredos panelling incorporates the carved figures of St Paul, St Tysilio, St Asaph and St David, all of whom are watching over the table, and frames the matching oak altar table itself, with which it is in proportion. The oak pulpit, replacing the earlier stone one (now outside) forms part of the screen structure. A beautiful and high quality decorative veined pink and white marble floor is provided to the Chancel area. The church is open for prayer and visitors every day.

LLantysilio Parish Church is very easy to find simply find the Horseshoe water falls, the church and its grave yard are only a stones throw away. Its a peaceful resting place overlooking the falls and a pleasant Welsh valley. For times of worship one is advised to check in advance. During my visit in late autumn the church was open.

You must go see the snowdrops in the church yard an amazing site. A lovely peaceful church

Tranquil and spiritual place. The snowdrops are wonderful.

We come here every year for a moment of tranquility and to see the incredible carpet of snowdrops. The church is an easy walk along the canal from Llangollen then past the Horseshoe Falls to your left. The church and churchyard are beautifully kept, nothing added and nothing taken way. Robert Browning the poet worshipped here at one point.