The Church of St Gwynog in Aberhafesp is a Victorian reconstruction of a 13th century church. Both the church in Aberhafesp and nearby Llanwnog are dedicated to 6th century Welsh saint, Gwynog. Gwynog was a monk at Bangor but fled to Brittany, becmoning Bishop of Vannes. Despite the Celtic dedication, there is no evidence of a pre-Norman foundation. The original medieval church was first recorded in 1254. It was a small structure, the short tower topped with the locally typical timber pyramid. Of the original medieval church, only the south wall and unusual nave roof timbers survived the reconstruction in 1857. One of the most striking features is the pokerwork covering much of the west wall of the nave. It is one of the best and largest examples in the UK. The panels, featuring recreations of paintings by Renaissance artists, were produced by Edward Bernard Protector in the early 1890s. The three stained glass windows depict biblical scenes and are memorials to wealthy parishioners. One is from 1890, the other two are from 1857 included the Ballantyne painted East window. In the graveyard is a large and imposing memorial to the Woosnam family. Initially dedicated to Charles Woosnam, lieutenant in the 8th Hussars who died in 1910, the memorial now commemorates the whole family.
Both the church in Aberhafesp and nearby Llanwnog are dedicated to 6th century Welsh saint, Gwynog. Gwynog was a monk at Bangor but fled to Brittany, becmoning Bishop of Vannes. Despite the Celtic dedication, there is no evidence of a pre-Norman foundation.
The original medieval church was first recorded in 1254. It was a small structure, the short tower topped with the locally typical timber pyramid. Of the original medieval church, only the south wall and unusual nave roof timbers survived the reconstruction in 1857.
One of the most striking features is the pokerwork covering much of the west wall of the nave. It is one of the best and largest examples in the UK. The panels, featuring recreations of paintings by Renaissance artists, were produced by Edward Bernard Protector in the early 1890s.
The three stained glass windows depict biblical scenes and are memorials to wealthy parishioners. One is from 1890, the other two are from 1857 included the Ballantyne painted East window.
In the graveyard is a large and imposing memorial to the Woosnam family. Initially dedicated to Charles Woosnam, lieutenant in the 8th Hussars who died in 1910, the memorial now commemorates the whole family.