Not to be missed 13th century church, unusually has only ever had one bell in double bell tower. Liked entering the churchyard over the stile built in the wall, the way the funeral mourners had to go in ancient times. Lovely views from churchyard.
David Wood
One of my favourite little places to visit when in the area. So peaceful and atmospheric....trying to imagine the stamp of Roman feet all those years ago. The little church is adorable and the sandstone in the walks is from the original Roman fort.
Denise Williams
St Mary's Church Caerhun is a beautiful little hidden Grade 1 listed medieval church dating back to the 13th century situated along the banks of the Conwy estuary, it is on the site of where the Canovium Roman Fort once stood.
Paul Scott277 days ago
Very peaceful. Great stain glass window. Not a hot spot for Roman fans but worth a visit if passing
Eliot Collins308 days ago
The Church of St Mary in Caerhun is located in the north east of the Roman fort of Canovium. The church was first built in the 13th century by the Cistercian monastery of Maenan Abbey. Much of the current structure dates from the 15th century. The lychgate is small, too narrow for the congregation to fit passed a coffin and pallbearers before a funeral. As such, mourners would negotiate the slate slab stile over the high wall. The bellcote at the west of the church has two openings but reportedly has only ever held one bell. The history of the site long predates the foundation of the church. The Roman fort of Canovium was founded in 75 CE as part of the invasion of Wales. It was occupied until the 4th century Roman withdrawal but the vicus may have been settled for longer. Two large yews in the churchyard are thought to be 1200 years old. Only earthworks can be seen on the site now.
Anna Reynolds338 days ago
A lovely little mediaeval church in a beautiful location, within the bounds of a Roman fort. I don't think you can get much better than that. The views up and down the river are beautiful from that location. It's worth going inside to see the very simple but beautiful architecture and feel the history around you, and exploring the graveyard to read some of the inscriptions and see the ancient yews. It's always felt like a very spiritual place.
Steve Galloway2 years ago
Apart from St Mary's contribution to Christianity in the area, the church is remarkable for its location in the north east corner of a Roman fort called Canovium. The fort secured a strategic river crossing at the Conwy River along the Roman coast road from Deva (modern day Chester) to Segontium (called Caernarfon today).
The fort housed as many as 500 troops, and this implies associated civilian commerce for which evidence has been found. Finds from the site are now housed at a museum in Llangollen.
The ramparts of the Roman fort are still in place, and with views extending over the Conwy River, St Mary's offers compelling reasons for a visit.
The church was first built in the 13th century by the Cistercian monastery of Maenan Abbey. Much of the current structure dates from the 15th century.
The lychgate is small, too narrow for the congregation to fit passed a coffin and pallbearers before a funeral. As such, mourners would negotiate the slate slab stile over the high wall.
The bellcote at the west of the church has two openings but reportedly has only ever held one bell.
The history of the site long predates the foundation of the church. The Roman fort of Canovium was founded in 75 CE as part of the invasion of Wales. It was occupied until the 4th century Roman withdrawal but the vicus may have been settled for longer. Two large yews in the churchyard are thought to be 1200 years old. Only earthworks can be seen on the site now.
The fort housed as many as 500 troops, and this implies associated civilian commerce for which evidence has been found. Finds from the site are now housed at a museum in Llangollen.
The ramparts of the Roman fort are still in place, and with views extending over the Conwy River, St Mary's offers compelling reasons for a visit.