Llanfair Caereinion: Church of St Mary
The earliest church on this river terrace site may have been founded in the early medieval period when it was said to have been established by the clas at Meifod. In 1239 it was recorded that a portion of the church was given to the nunnery at Llanllugan.
The medieval parish church had fallen into a delapidated state by Victorian times and was demolished and completely rebuilt in 1868 using the original tower. This was in turn replaced in 1887. Some 15th century roof timbers were re-used in the new building along with a 13th century porch. A medieval effigy and font were re-installed.
[Haslam; CPAT website; MC]
The medieval parish church had fallen into a delapidated state by Victorian times and was demolished and completely rebuilt in 1868 using the original tower. This was in turn replaced in 1887. Some 15th century roof timbers were re-used in the new building along with a 13th century porch. A medieval effigy and font were re-installed.
[Haslam; CPAT website; MC]
Llanfair Caereinion: Old Market Hall
The image to the right shows the Market Hall at the centre of Llanfair Caereinion from an engraving of 1802 at the County Archives Office. The building was built in the late 18th century and the room above the market arches was used as a schoolroom. There was a windowless lock up cell at one end of the ground floor. It was demolished in the 1890s.
It can also be seen in the photograph of the 1880s at the top of the page.
(Photo courtesy of the Powysland Museum).
It can also be seen in the photograph of the 1880s at the top of the page.
(Photo courtesy of the Powysland Museum).
Llanfechain: Domen Gastell
A motte-and-bailey castle controlling access up the valley of the river Cain. It stands on a terrace of the river near the main Llanfyllin to Oswestry routeway. Its origin is uncertain but it may have been built by Owain Fychan ap Madog after the conquest of Mochnant in 1166. The map to the right is an old Ordnance Survey map of 1886 which shows the earthworks of the castle as the existed then.
For an aerial view of the earthworks from the Gathering the Jewels website click here.
[MC 59; Haslam]
For an aerial view of the earthworks from the Gathering the Jewels website click here.
[MC 59; Haslam]
Llanfihangel Cwmdu: Tretower Court and Castle
The first phase of this complex site was the timber motte-and-bailey castle built by one Picard a lieutenant of Bernard de Neufmarché during the conquest of the area in the 11th century. Picard was granted part of Ystrad Yw and the castle was built to consolidate his hold on it. His son Roger rebuilt the castle in stone and some of this survives. A descendant Roger Picard built a tall circular keep around 1240. The castle was garrisoned through to the uprising of Owain Glyndŵr when Sir James Berkely held it for the king.
The nearby Court was built around 1300 and replaced the castle as the main dwelling of the family. It passed through many hands through inheritance and was further developed in the 15th century by Sir Roger Vaughan. The Vaughans further developed this fine manor house in the 17th century. The building was used as a farm throughout the 19th century.
[Haslam; Remfrey]
The nearby Court was built around 1300 and replaced the castle as the main dwelling of the family. It passed through many hands through inheritance and was further developed in the 15th century by Sir Roger Vaughan. The Vaughans further developed this fine manor house in the 17th century. The building was used as a farm throughout the 19th century.
[Haslam; Remfrey]
Llanfihangel Nant Melan: Castell Crug Eryr (Crugerydd)
OS map of around 1900.
A small motte-and-bailey castle on a high shoulder of the Radnor Forest with fine views. Its lofty position and small size suggest a Welsh origin and it may well have been built for Cadwallon ap Madog of Maelienydd in the mid 12th century. It was probably taken by the invading Anglo-Norman forces around 1195. By the late 14th century it was a seat of the Welsh lords of Maelienydd. It was "defaced" by Owain Glyndwr and by the mid 15th century the site was abandoned possibly being replaced by a new mansion at Harpton.
[RT; Remfry]
[RT; Remfry]
Llanfihangel Rhydithon: Castell Cymaran
A motte-and-bailey castle probably first built for the Mortimers as part of their campaigns against Maelienydd. It changed hands between local Welsh forces and marcher lords several times before before being taken by Cadwallon ap Madog around 1150. By 1195 it was back in Mortimer hands and until 1215 when it was destroyed by the joint forces of Llewelyn ap Iorwerth and the Bishop of Hereford. The Mortimers rebuilt the fortification using it as a manorial centre. It was still in use for manorial courts as late as 1360. The map of the site (left) based on an OS map of around 1900 reveals the surviving earthworks of the castle. Recent surveys of the area reveal possible siege works outside the bailey.
[RT; Remfrey]
[RT; Remfrey]
Llanfilo: Church of St Bilo [Beilo]
The dedication to Saint Beilo daughter of Brychan, and the site and shape of the churchyard all suggest an early medieval origin for this church. In the past it had been claimed that the dedication was really to St Milburg of Wenlock but this seems an error as the St Beilo dedication is recorded in medieval records.
The current building seems to have medieval walls of massive thickness, early lintels and lancet window. There is 15th century timber work on the south porch and a 15th century ribbed ceiling in the nave. The screen is early 16th century. Other windows were added in the 17th century. The church seems to have been more sensitively restored in the 20th century than many. The churchyard has the base of a medieval preaching cross and a lychgate of around 1700.
Click here to visit a website with many excellent photographs of the church, churchyard and memorials.
[Haslam; CPAT Historic churches website]
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The current building seems to have medieval walls of massive thickness, early lintels and lancet window. There is 15th century timber work on the south porch and a 15th century ribbed ceiling in the nave. The screen is early 16th century. Other windows were added in the 17th century. The church seems to have been more sensitively restored in the 20th century than many. The churchyard has the base of a medieval preaching cross and a lychgate of around 1700.
Click here to visit a website with many excellent photographs of the church, churchyard and memorials.
[Haslam; CPAT Historic churches website]
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