St Melangell's Church and Centre

Incredible historical site. Very calming energy and those ancient yew trees were really something! The calming atmosphere was disturbed by the thousands of pheasants roaming and screeching about some right near the chapel itself but even they couldn't dampen the spiritual energy. Very highly recommended to visit. Amazing walking routes locally too.

Lovely little church, where the shrine of saint Melangell is, The best part was as we were going up the path a lady with wellies was coming up behind us, she asked if we were going inside and we replied yes, As she was opening the door, she said she was the vicar of the church, I couldn't help but laugh, she said I know you don't usually see vicar's with wellies on, added bonus was the vicar gave us a tour and told us the stories of the church, and about how Kellogg's (cereal) got it's name, but you can do the research on that if your interested, oh and don't worry about the sheep, she is friendly, she informed us the sheep thinks it's a dog. So big shout out to the vicar lovely lady, thanks you made our day.

St Melangell's Shrine Church in Pennant Melangell is isolated idyll in the Berwyn Mountains, home to one of the oldest Romanesque shrines in Britain.
The church is built in a round churchyard, thought to include a Bronze Age burial site. The ring of yew trees around the church are certified to be at least 2000 years old. It is claimed a site of Christian worship has stood here for 1200 years but the current structure dates from the 12th century.
There are many interesting features in the church, key among them is the shrine in the chancel. The Shrine of Saint Melangell is thought to have been constructed around 1160 to house the relics of the Saint. In 1561, the shrine was demolished and the stones were built into the Lych gate and parts of the nave walls. Some of the stones were recovered and the shrine was rebuilt in 1989 in its present position in the chancel, with any missing stones replaced with concrete.
Beyond the chancel is a small, white-washed apse, containing a crudely carved slab on the floor said to be the grave of the saint herself. The apse was built in 1990 and replaced a square structure in the same place. The current apse follows the curve discovered beneath the foundations of the previous grave chamber.
The nave is home to a 12th century font, unusual 17th century candelabrum and 15th century rood screen. The screen featured carvings that tell the story of St Melangell. It also used to bear depictions of Christ, St Mary and St John but these were destroyed in the Reformation. The rood gallery was repaired in the 1989 renovations. Above the screen in the chancel hangs a large 18th century painted reredos bearing the ten commandments, Apostles’ creed and Lord’s prayer in Welsh.

Sort of a pilgrimage as one of our children had researched her Confirmation name and picked Melangell.

The approach is a longish narrow lane but no one in our large group regretted the detour to visit this tranquil church.

Make sure you also go upstairs as there's LOTs of fascinating information boards up there.

To think: a few years back there was talk of stripping to roof off and leaving this church to ruin.

A very special place. The church service was simple, informal, inclusive and addressed serious current concerns in prayer. In St Melangell's memory, the church has a particular focus on sanctuary, hospitality and healing. The hospitality was certainly delightful, with tea, buttered bara brith bread and Welsh cakes. Thank you, everyone there!

Beautiful old church surrounded by ancient Yew Trees over two thousand years old

Wonderful setting, very atmospheric and historic pilgrims' church. Five extraordinarily huge and ancient yew trees in churchyard. It's in the middle of nowhere. Road up from Llangynog was not too bad: narrow but flat

So full of interest and history,the church and the hare. Off the beaten track ,but well worth a visit