St Mary's

St Mary's Church is Trelystan is the only timber built church in Montgomeryshire and claims to be the only timber built church is Wales.Located at the Southern end of Long Mountain, the church's tranquil location was an early native Welsh Christian site dated by Clwyd Powys Archaeology Trust to around 800 CE. 6 ancient yews stand in the churchyard.The current building is a curious structure: a 15th century timber, wattle and daub church encased in a black and white, brick and timber shell from 1856.The restoration of 1856 was by John Naylor, owner of nearby Leighton Hall. Beyond the construction of the outer shell, the medieval timber roof was also strengthened with iron beams and the old pews were turned into the wall panelling. The large east window by Charles Clutterbuck was added a year later, and features Christ in the Garden of Gethsemane.Across the aisle from the pulpit is the remains of a medieval rood screen, thought to have been recovered from the monastery in Chirbury after the Dissolution.There are many granite ledger stones inlayed in the floor. These memorials commemorate the lives of the local parishioners, the earliest dating back to 1689.The church also houses an ornate, Gothic barrel organ from 1827. The small, hand operated instrument can play 20 hymns.

What an awesome church

A fabulous little church situated in the heart of the countryside away from the country lane. Some five hundred yards away from any passing traffic, could quite easily be missed. Great views .An attractive little place, but I couldn't have a sneak inside because it was locked even though it's advertised as being open between 10 &5 every day. It wasn't.

Great Church, loads of history.