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Friends of Friendless Churches facts for kids

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Friends of Friendless Churches (FoFC) is a registered charity formed in 1957, active in England and Wales, which campaigns for and rescues redundant historic places of worship threatened by demolition, decay, or inappropriate conversion. As of April 2021, the charity owns 58 redundant churches or chapels, 29 of which are in England, and 29 in Wales.

History

The charity was formed by Ivor Bulmer-Thomas, a writer, former MP and a high church Anglican. He was the charity's Honorary Director until his death in 1993. The first executive committee included prominent politicians, artists, poets and architects, including John Betjeman, John Piper, Roy Jenkins, T. S. Eliot, Harry Goodhart-Rendel and Rosalie Lady Mander. Initially the charity campaigned and obtained grants for the repair and restoration of churches within its remit. The 1968 Pastoral Measure established the Redundant Churches Fund (now called Churches Conservation Trust). However, the Church Commissioners turned down a number of buildings that the executive committee considered worthy of preservation, including Old St Matthew's Church, Lightcliffe, and St Peter's Church, Wickham Bishops. The charity therefore decided in 1972 to change its constitution, allowing it to acquire threatened buildings either by freehold or by lease. The tower of the church at Lightcliffe was the first property to be vested with the charity.

Operations

The charity raises money from various sources. Since 1999, it has worked in partnership with Cadw and the Church in Wales to take redundant churches in Wales into its care. In Wales, the charity receives funding for taking Anglican churches into its care. Of this, 70% comes from the Welsh Government through Cadw, and 30% from the Church in Wales.

In England, the charity does not receive regular public funding, but has obtained grants from bodies such as English Heritage. Other funds are raised from donations, membership fees and legacies from members of the public. Some churches have been supported by the formation of local groups of Friends. The charity administers two trusts, one of which, the Cottam Will Trust, was established by Rev S. E. Cottam for "the advancement of religion of objects of beauty to be placed in ancient Gothic churches either in England or Wales".

All the churches owned by the charity are listed buildings, and most are former Anglican churches, either from the Church of England or the Church in Wales, although three were private chapels, one was a Nonconformist chapel and another a Roman Catholic church.

On the charity's 50th anniversary in 2007 it published a book entitled Saving Churches, containing details of their history and accounts of their churches. The charity describes its mission as an architectural conservation organisation which aims to preserve beautiful places of worship as public monuments. The charity told The Guardian newspaper that cared-for and cherished should not mean fossilised, and instead they want offer their places of worship for public events such as concerts, knitting groups, seasonal lectures, art exhibitions, supper clubs and the occasional religious ceremony. "They intend to carry on working tirelessly to preserve what Shakespeare described as our magnificent 'sermons in stone' for generations to come", The Guardian stated.

The Friends have argued against Church of England plans, published in 2021, that would diminish the democracy of the church closure process, and reduce the transparency and accountability of the Church.

People

The charity's patronage was made vacant following the death of the Marquess of Anglesey in 2013. The ecclesiastical patron is Rev Wyn Evans, former Bishop of St Davids, and the president is the Marquess of Salisbury.

Rachel Morley has been the director of the charity since 2018, and as of April 2021 there were two members of staff, one part-time.

List of vested churches

The list is in two sections, one for England and the other for Wales. This division reflects the former management of most of the English churches by the Church of England and of the Welsh churches by the Church in Wales, and the different funding arrangements in the two countries.

Key

Grade Criteria
I Buildings of exceptional interest, sometimes considered to be internationally important
II* Particularly important buildings of more than special interest
II Buildings of national importance and special interest

England

Name Location Image Date Notes Grade
St Peter Wickham Bishops, Essex
51°46′11″N 0°38′36″E / 51.7698°N 0.6434°E / 51.7698; 0.6434 (St Peter, Wickham Bishops)
A honey-coloured stone church with a red tiled roof seen from the southwest. On the west end is a window above a door, on the corner is a buttress, a porch in on the south side, and on the roof is a small wooden belfry 11th century It is thought this was originally a private chapel for the Bishops of London, and then became a parish church. It was restored in 1850, but then became a chapel of ease in the parish of St Bartholomew. The fabric deteriorated and it was declared redundant in 1975. Since 1995 it has been used as an artist's studio. II*
St Peter Llancillo, Herefordshire
51°55′30″N 2°55′23″W / 51.9250°N 2.9231°W / 51.9250; -2.9231 (St Peter, Llancillo)
St Peter's Church, Llancillo.jpg 11th to 12th century In a remote position near the England–Wales border, it is thought the site was used by a hermit in the 6th century. The church was restored in the 17th century, but it closed for public worship in 2006. II*
Urishay Castle Chapel Urishay, Peterchurch, Herefordshire
52°01′58″N 2°59′18″W / 52.0328°N 2.9883°W / 52.0328; -2.9883 (Urishay Castle Chapel)
On a bank, tucked behind trees is a simple chapel, to the left of which are castle ruins Early 12th century The chapel is built in the bailey of the now-ruined Urishay Castle. A chancel was added in the 13th century, alterations were made in the 16th and 17th centuries, and restorations have been carried out during the 20th century. It has been under the care of the charity since 1978. II*
St John Allington, Wiltshire
51°09′12″N 1°42′34″W / 51.1534°N 1.7095°W / 51.1534; -1.7095 (St John the Baptist, Allington)
A short flint church with a red tiled roof, and a battlemented south tower with a pyramidal roof 12th century Although it originated in the 12th century, only the chancel arch and part of a Norman arch remain from that period. The rest was built in 1847–51, and was designed by the "priest-architect" Fr William Grey. II
St Mary Temple, Corsley, Wiltshire
51°12′08″N 2°15′06″W / 51.2021°N 2.2516°W / 51.2021; -2.2516 (St Mary, Temple, Corsley)
Part of a church built in stone with red tiles and a short spire 1902–3 Private chapel built by the Barton Trust in Arts and Crafts Gothic, funded by Mary Barton in memory of her husband and son. II
All Saints Ballidon, Derbyshire
53°05′12″N 1°41′49″W / 53.0867°N 1.6970°W / 53.0867; -1.6970 (All Saints, Ballidon)
A simple stone church with a bellcote, seen from the southeast 12th century Originating in the 12th century, the church was much rebuilt and restored in the 19th century. II
St Mary Magdalen Boveney, Buckinghamshire
51°29′25″N 0°38′51″W / 51.4903°N 0.6474°W / 51.4903; -0.6474 (St Mary Magdalen, Boveney)
A flint church seen from the southeast, with a red tiled roof and, at the far end, a weatherboarded tower 12th century The church stands on the north bank of the River Thames, and was built for bargemen working on the river. It was declared redundant in 1975 and came under the care of the charity in 1983. It was later found that the tower was unstable, and repairs costing £200,000 have been carried out, partially funded by choral concerts held at nearby Eton College. I
St Leonard Spernall, Warwickshire
52°15′26″N 1°52′29″W / 52.2572°N 1.8748°W / 52.2572; -1.8748 (St Leonard, Spernall)
A stone church seen from the south east with steep tiled roofs. Nearest is the chancel with a round east window, beyond that is a larger, higher nave, at the end of which is a bellcote 12th century Alterations were made to the church in the 14th and 18th centuries. In the mid-19th century a chancel, porch and bellcote were added. It was declared redundant in 1972. After an application for conversion to a house was declined, it was bought by the Ancient Monuments Society to save it from demolition. A series of repairs has been carried out, and since 1983 it has been used as an artist's workshop. II*
St John the Baptist Sutterby, Lincolnshire
53°13′50″N 0°04′29″E / 53.2306°N 0.0746°E / 53.2306; 0.0746 (St John the Baptist, Sutterby)
Seen from a distance, in a graveyard, is a simple stone church, the chancel smaller and lower than the nave; protruding from the wall are a buttress and a porch 12th century Additions were made to the church in the 14th century and a porch was built in 1743. It was made redundant in 1972. It was donated as a monument in 1981. Major repairs were carried out in 2002, and more are being undertaken in 2010. II
St Mary Hardmead, Buckinghamshire
52°07′11″N 0°38′09″W / 52.1196°N 0.6358°W / 52.1196; -0.6358 (St Mary, Hardmead)
Seen between trees is part of the church; visible are a tower and nave with clerestory, both battlemented, and a porch
13th century The church was built to serve a medieval village that has since disappeared. Additions were made to it in the 15th century. After it was declared redundant, it was proposed to convert it into a house, but it was acquired by the charity and, as of 2010, is managed by the Friends of Hardmead. I
Ruins of St Andrew's Church South Huish,
South Hams, Devon
50°15′20″N 3°49′54″W / 50.2555°N 3.8318°W / 50.2555; -3.8318 (Ruins of St Andrew's Church, South Huish)
The ruins of a church seen from the southeast. Still standing are the tower, the south wall, with three windows, and the east end; there are no roofs 13th century Additions were made to the church in the 14th and 15th centuries, but its fabric deteriorated and by 1866 it was considered to be beyond repair. A new church was built in a nearby village and all the fittings were removed. The charity has carried out work to slow down the rate of decay of the ruins, and services are held annually at the site. II*
St Andrew Woodwalton, Cambridgeshire
52°25′27″N 0°13′25″W / 52.4241°N 0.2237°W / 52.4241; -0.2237 (St Andrew, Woodwalton)
A stone church with red tiled roofs seen from an angle, the battlemented tower being on the left. In the foreground is a statue of a child. 13th century Additions and modifications have been made over the centuries since it was built. Because of its isolated position, it has suffered from theft and, since it was declared redundant, it has been subject to damage from vandalism. In addition the foundations are moving, leading to parts of the church settling at different rates. The church has been placed on the Heritage at Risk Register and applications have been made for grants towards its repair. II*
St Mary Fordham, Norfolk
52°34′14″N 0°23′02″E / 52.5706°N 0.3838°E / 52.5706; 0.3838 (St Mary, Fordham)
A simple stone church, consisting of a nave and a smaller chancel, seen from the south 13th century The tower and south aisle were demolished in about 1730, leaving a simple church consisting of a nave and chancel, with a bellcote. II*
St Denis East Hatley, Cambridgeshire
52°08′17″N 0°07′25″W / 52.1380°N 0.1235°W / 52.1380; -0.1235 (St Denis, East Hatley)
A simple stone church, consisting of a nave and chancel, viewed from the south-west c.1300 A simple church without tower or spire. The nave dates from about 1300; the chancel was rebuilt by William Butterfield in 1871–74, with a reredos articulated in different-coloured stones. II*
St Mary Mundon, Essex
51°41′28″N 0°43′06″E / 51.6912°N 0.7182°E / 51.6912; 0.7182 (St Mary, Mundon)
The end of a church seen between trees; the ground floor is timber framed, above this is a weatherboarded tower, and to the left part of the stone body of the church. All the roofs are covered in red tiles 14th century The church is constructed from a variety of materials; the nave is in stone, the chancel in brick, the aisle on three sides of the tower is timber-framed, the belfry is weatherboarded, and the roof is tiled. Some of the original 18th-century furniture is still present. Repair and conservation work, assisted by a grant of £140,000 from English Heritage, has been carried out. I
St Mary Magdalene Caldecote, Hertfordshire
52°01′50″N 0°11′56″W / 52.0305°N 0.1989°W / 52.0305; -0.1989 (St Mary Magdalene, Caldecote)
A stone church seen from the southwest, with a tower on the left; the porch and body of the church are battlemented 14th to 15th century The church stands in a deserted medieval village that was abandoned mainly during the 15th and 16th centuries. It was repaired during the 18th century, but because of depopulation it was declared redundant in 1975. It has been under the care of the charity since 1982, and its survival is now assisted by the Caldecote Church Friends. II*
Ayshford Chapel Ayshford, Devon
50°55′43″N 3°21′20″W / 50.9285°N 3.3555°W / 50.9285; -3.3555 (Ayshford Chapel)
Seen beyond a river and a field is a simple stone chapel with three arched windows and a door; to the right is a two-storeyed stone house 15th century This was the private chapel of the Ayshford family of the adjacent Ayshford Court, and it was renovated in the 19th century. The charity undertook major work in 2001–02 that included restoration of the internal salmon-pink limewash, and repair of the stained glass. I
St Mary Eastwell, Kent
51°11′24″N 0°52′28″E / 51.1900°N 0.8745°E / 51.1900; 0.8745 (St Mary, Eastwell)
To the left is a battlemented tower, in the middle a ruined wall, and to the right the end of a stone chapel with a red tiled roof 15th century Only the tower, the wall of the south aisle, and the 19th-century mortuary chapel remain. The monuments formerly in the church have been moved, most of them to the Victoria and Albert Museum. The remains are a scheduled monument. II
St Mary Long Crichel, Dorset
50°53′31″N 2°02′00″W / 50.8919°N 2.0334°W / 50.8919; -2.0334 (St Mary, Long Crichel)
A church seen from the southeast, with an apsidal chancel, a south transept, and a battlemented west tower 15th century The Perpendicular tower dates from the 15th century. The rest of the church was rebuilt in 1851, although the interior is more Georgian than Gothic Revival in style. II
Tower of St Peter's Church Saltfleetby, Lincolnshire
53°23′12″N 0°09′26″E / 53.3868°N 0.1573°E / 53.3868; 0.1573 (St Peter, Saltfleetby)
A tower with three stages; in the bottom stage is a door, in the middle stage is a large window with tracery, and in the top stage is a two-light louvred bell opening
Late 15th century The tower is the only surviving part of the structure of this former church. It was taken into the care of the charity in 1976. I
St John the Baptist Papworth St Agnes, Cambridgeshire
52°15′50″N 0°08′29″W / 52.2639°N 0.1414°W / 52.2639; -0.1414 (St John the Baptist, Papworth St Agnes)
A stone church with a chequerboard appearance; on the left is a battlemented tower, the nave has three windows and the chancel, which is lower, has two windows 1530 The church was almost completely rebuilt in the 19th century, to a design thought to be by its rector, Rev J. H. Sperling. By the 1970s it was largely derelict, and it was taken into the care of the charity in 1979. The church has been restored with the addition of a kitchen and toilets, and it is used as a community centre. II*
Tuxlith Chapel Milland, West Sussex
51°02′52″N 0°49′26″W / 51.0478°N 0.8238°W / 51.0478; -0.8238 (Tuxlith Chapel)
A simple chapel with a bellcote and a protruding porch, and winter trees behind 16th century A gallery was added to the chapel in the 17th century, and during the following century the north transept was built. Because of population growth, a new larger church was built nearby in 1879, and the chapel was used as a Sunday school. This use continued until the 1930s, but the building's fabric subsequently deteriorated and it was declared redundant in 1974. The chapel has been restored and is now used as a community centre, hosting concerts and other events. II
St Lawrence Hutton Bonville, North Yorkshire
54°23′45″N 1°28′59″W / 54.3958°N 1.483°W / 54.3958; -1.483 (St Lawrence's, Hutton Bonvlle)
A small stone church with lancet windows and a bellcote 17th century The church dates from 16th and 17th centuries, but was almost completely rebuilt in 1896. It served as the estate church for Hutton Bonville Hall, Yorkshire home of the Beresford-Peirse family. The hall was demolished in 1962, and the church now stands in complete isolation, disturbed only by the trains of the East Coast Main Line. II
St Helen Barmby on the Marsh, East Riding of Yorkshire
53°44′52″N 0°57′18″W / 53.7477°N 0.9549°W / 53.7477; -0.9549 (St Helen's, Barmby on the Marsh)
A stone church with a prominent brick tower, capped with a cupola 17th century The nave dates from 1600 (Historic England) or earlier (FoFC), the tower from the 18th century and the chancel from the 19th. The tower, with its copper cupola, dates from the 18th century restoration. II
Thornton-le-Beans
Chapel
Thornton-le-Beans,
North Yorkshire
54°18′27″N 1°23′37″W / 54.3075°N 1.3936°W / 54.3075; -1.3936 (Thornton-le-Beans Chapel)
A simple stone chapel seen from the south with a west bellcote 1770 This has always been a chapel of ease in the parish of St Andrew, South Otterington. It is a stone chapel with a simple plan consisting of a nave and chancel, with a west bellcote. II
Tower of Old St Matthew's Church Lightcliffe,
West Yorkshire
53°43′28″N 1°47′23″W / 53.7245°N 1.7896°W / 53.7245; -1.7896 (St Matthew's Church Tower, Lightcliffe)
A slender stone tower in a graveyard. On the left face are two windows, one round-headed, the other round; on the right face is a clock; and on the summit is a cupola surmounted by a ball finial
1775 The Neoclassical style church was replaced in the late 19th century by a new church a short distance away, and it was then used as a mortuary chapel. It was damaged in a storm in the 1960s, and then suffered from vandalism. The body of the church was demolished, and the tower was taken into the care of the charity, who organised its repair. II
Strict and Particular Baptist Chapel Waddesdon, Buckinghamshire
51°49′44″N 0°54′31″W / 51.8289°N 0.9085°W / 51.8289; -0.9085 (Baptist Chapel, Waddesdon)
A white-painted simple chapel with a brick chimney stack and a red tiled roof. On the front are two sash windows, and a similar window is on the side at a higher level. 1792 A porch and an extension were added in the 19th century. The chapel closed in 1976, and since then the charity has carried out repairs to the chapel and to its associated stables. II
Chapel of St John the Baptist Matlock Bath, Derbyshire
53°07′52″N 1°33′42″W / 53.1311°N 1.5616°W / 53.1311; -1.5616 (Chapel of John the Baptist, Matlock Bath)
Beyond a tall wall is the end of a chapel with a triple window in the gable, a shorted tower to the right with a pyramidal roof, and an oriel window protruding more to the right
1897 This was a private chapel for Mrs Louisa Sophia Harris, who commissioned Arts and Crafts artists to design the building and its fittings and furnishings. These included Guy Dawber, Louis Davis, George Bankart and John Cooke. Since taking it over, the charity has organised repairs and cleaning. II*
St Mary of the Angels Brownshill, Chalford, Gloucestershire
53°07′52″N 1°33′42″W / 53.1311°N 1.5616°W / 53.1311; -1.5616 (St Mary of the Angels, Brownshill)
A cotswold stone simple chapel with a small bell turret. 1930–37 The church was built to serve the religious community of Templewood, later a Tertiary Chapter of the Dominican Order. It is the first Roman Catholic church to be vested in the charity. II
St Helen Skeffling, East Riding of Yorkshire
53°39′12″N 0°04′26″E / 53.6534°N 0.07393°E / 53.6534; 0.07393 (St Helen, Skeffling)
A rubble-stone church with a slate roof. On the west end is a castellated tower, with lower nave and chancel to the east. A red brick porch fronts the building 15th century A parish church dating from the 15th century with 19th and 20th century restorations. I
St Andrew Runcton Holme, Norfolk
52°39′16″N 0°23′31″E / 52.6545°N 0.3920°E / 52.6545; 0.3920 (St Andrew, Runcton Holme)
A stone church with a semi-circular chancel and a small bell-cot 12th century Originally built in the 12th century, the church was completely rebuilt in 1838-9. It is one of the earliest Victorian churches in the county. II*

Wales

Name Location Photograph Date Notes Grade
St Peulan Llanbeulan, Anglesey
53°15′05″N 4°26′27″W / 53.2513°N 4.4409°W / 53.2513; -4.4409 (St Peulan, Llanbeulan)
A stone church with slate roofs seen from the southeast. To the right is the chancel, to the left is a large transept, beyond which can be seen a bellcote 12th century Despite a 19th-century restoration, the church has retained its simple medieval character. It contains a font that possibly dates from the pre-Norman era. II*
St Jerome Llangwm Uchaf, Monmouthshire
51°42′03″N 2°49′19″W / 51.7009°N 2.8220°W / 51.7009; -2.8220 (St Jerome, Llangwm Uchaf)
A stone church in a graveyard behind evergreen trees 12th century The church has 12th century origins and was restored in 1863–1878. Its features include a formidable tower to the north side, an elaborately carved early 15th century screen, 19th century floor tiles and the 19th century east window. I
St Cynhaearn, Ynyscynhaearn Ystumllyn, near Criccieth, Gwynedd
52°55′34″N 4°11′40″W / 52.9262°N 4.1945°W / 52.9262; -4.1945 (St Cynhaearn, Ystumllyn)
A simple church, seen end-on, with a bellcote and transepts; in the foreground are gravestones
12th century The church stands in an isolated position on what used to be an island in a former lake, and is approached by an ancient causeway. Its structure dates from the 12th, 16th and 17th centuries, while most of the interior fittings are Georgian in style, dating from 1832. II*
St Mary, Tal-y-llyn Near Aberffraw, Anglesey
53°13′40″N 4°26′54″W / 53.2277°N 4.4484°W / 53.2277; -4.4484 (St Mary, Tal-y-llyn)
A stone very simple church see from the west end. The only features are a small round-headed door, a small bellcote, and a tiny rectangular window 12th century (probable) This is a simple medieval church that is virtually unrestored. Its fabric dates from the 12th century (probably) and the 16th and 17th centuries. Most of the furnishings are from the 18th century, although some have had to be replaced because of vandalism in the 20th century. I
St Mary Derwen, Denbighshire
53°02′44″N 3°23′18″W / 53.0455°N 3.3882°W / 53.0455; -3.3882 (St Mary, Derwen)
A small stone church with a slate roof see from the southwest. Scaffolding surrounds the west end and bellcote, and the porch 13th century St Mary's Church retains late pre-Reformation stone carving, and a rood screen with its loft. Its fabric dates from the 13th century, and it was restored in 1857. The churchyard contains a pre-Reformation cross and a sundial, both of which are listed. I
St Odoceus Llandawke, Carmarthenshire
51°46′24″N 4°29′25″W / 51.7732°N 4.4904°W / 51.7732; -4.4904 (St Odoceus, Llandawke)
A stone church with a slate roof seen from the southwest. Nearest is a relatively large tower with a pyramidal roof, beyond which is body of the church 13th century Having been built in the 13th century, it was remodelled during the following century, and restored in the Victorian era. When it was taken over by the charity in 2006 it was in "a state of dereliction"; repair and restoration work has been carried out. II
St Ellyw Llanelieu, Powys
52°00′00″N 3°11′19″W / 52.0000°N 3.1887°W / 52.0000; -3.1887 (St Ellyw, Llanelieu)
A simple single-storey church seen from a distance with a bellcote and a porch; sheep graze in front of it 13th century In an isolated position in the Brecon Beacons, it has retained much of its medieval interior, including wall paintings and a rood screen. It is used as a venue for the annual Talgarth Festival. I
St Michael and All Angels Llanfihangel Rogiet, Monmouthshire
51°35′06″N 2°47′09″W / 51.5850°N 2.7857°W / 51.5850; -2.7857 (St Michael, Llanfihangel Rogiet)
A stone church seen from the south, with a square battlemented tower at the left, then the nave, and a lower chancel at the right. In front of the church is the base of a medieval cross 13th century The church stands close to a group of farm buildings. Following a programme of restoration work by the charity, it is managed by the Local History Society. II*
St Brothen Llanfrothen, Gwynedd
52°57′01″N 4°03′08″W / 52.9503°N 4.0521°W / 52.9503; -4.0521 (St Brothen, Llanfrothen)
St Brothen 0005.jpg
13th century The church was re-roofed in the 15th century, additions were made in the 17th century, and restorations took place in the 19th century. It retains its rood screen constructed from the wood of trees felled between 1496 and 1506. I
St Michael and All Angels Castlemartin, Pembrokeshire
51°38′59″N 5°01′18″W / 51.6498°N 5.0216°W / 51.6498; -5.0216 (St Michael and All Angels, Castlemartin)
A single-storey church built in rubble masonry with a large, central, tower. Restored in the 19th century. 13th century (probable) The church dates from the late 12th/early 13th centuries and was restored twice in the 19th century. It contains important Victorian stained glass by Heaton, Butler and Bayne and Hardman & Co., with one of the latter to a design by Augustus Pugin. I
St Michael and All Angels Gwernesney, Monmouthshire
51°42′43″N 2°50′54″W / 51.7119°N 2.8482°W / 51.7119; -2.8482 (Church of St Michael and All Angels, Gwernesney)
A red sandstone church with a small bellcote 13th century A medieval church which was lightly restored in 1863-1864 by Prichard and Seddon. Two bells in the western bell turret are original, dating from the 13th century and among the oldest church bells in Monmouthshire. I
Hodgeston Parish Church Hodgeston, Pembrokeshire
51°39′31″N 4°51′01″W / 51.6585°N 4.8503°W / 51.6585; -4.8503 (Hodgeston Parish Church)
A simple church seen from the southeast with a tall slender tower on the left, then the nave and a chancel with a slightly higher roof line 13th century (probable) At the beginning of the 19th century the church was "in extreme disrepair". It was renovated in the 1850s, but retained many of its internal features, including a Norman font, a double piscina, and a triple sedilia. II*
St Decumanus Rhoscrowther, Pembrokeshire
51°40′46″N 5°02′00″W / 51.6794°N 5.0332°W / 51.6794; -5.0332 (Rhoscrowther Church)
A church with a tall church tower positioned centrally. 13th century (possibly) Mainly medieval church with a tall tower, dedicated to St Decumanus (St Decuman). Has four side chapels associated with houses in the parish. Located beside a large oil refinery. I
Manordeifi Old Church Manordeifi, Pembrokeshire
52°03′30″N 4°35′08″W / 52.0584°N 4.5855°W / 52.0584; -4.5855 (Manordeifi Old Church)
A stone church seen from an angle in a graveyard, with a porch and a bellcote 13th or 14th century The church stands close to the River Teifi. Following repairs in the earlier part of the 19th century, it was abandoned as a parish church in 1899, and taken into the care of the charity in 2002. The tradition of keeping a coracle in the porch in case of flooding continues to be maintained. II*
St Anno Llananno, Powys
52°21′35″N 3°19′46″W / 52.3597°N 3.3294°W / 52.3597; -3.3294 (St Anno, Llananno)
A single-storey church built in rubble stone with a bellcote and a porch at the Western end 14th century First recorded in 1304, the church was repaired in 1837 and completely rebuilt in 1877-1878 by David Walker of Liverpool. The interior contains a rood screen of 1500, restored in 1880 and again in 1960, and "one of the great treasures of Welsh craftsmanship". II*
St Baglan Llanfaglan, Gwynedd
53°07′16″N 4°18′34″W / 53.1210°N 4.3095°W / 53.1210; -4.3095 (St Baglan, Llanfaglan)
At the far end of a graveyard is a simple stone church, which appears L-shaped, and has a bellcote 14th century St Baglan's stands in an isolated position in a field. It escaped restoration in the 19th century, and retains its 18th-century furnishings, including communion rails, pulpit with sounding board, box pews and benches. I
St Beuno Penmorfa, Gwynedd
52°56′25″N 4°10′20″W / 52.9402°N 4.1721°W / 52.9402; -4.1721 (St Beuno, Penmorfa)
The north side of stone church with a slate roof, seen through a graveyard. There are two windows, a protruding vestry and, at the right, a bellcote 14th century The chancel was added in the 15th century, and the vestry and porch in the 18th century. During the 19th century there were three restorations, but it retains its medieval roof. II*
St Cadoc Llangattock-Vibon-Avel, Monmouthshire
51°50′13″N 2°47′24″W / 51.837°N 2.7901°W / 51.837; -2.7901 (St Cadoc, Llangattock-Vibon-Avel)
A red sandstone church with a pyramid tiled roof to the tower 14th century A medieval church which was extensively restored in the 19th century by Thomas Henry Wyatt. Working first for John Etherington Welch Rolls, and then for his son, John Rolls, 1st Baron Llangattock, Wyatt undertook two phases of restoration, in 1852-1853 and in 1875. The church contains important Victorian stained glass notably work by Charles Eamer Kempe. Members of the Rolls family are buried in the churchyard, including Charles Rolls, an early aviator and co-founder of Rolls-Royce. II*
St Mary Llanfair Kilgeddin, Monmouthshire
51°46′23″N 2°56′06″W / 51.7731°N 2.9349°W / 51.7731; -2.9349 (St Mary, Llanfair Kilgeddin)
A stone church seen from the southwest, with a slate roof and red tiled ridge. At the west end is a door a window and a double bellcote; protruding from the south side is a porch Mid to late 14th century (possible) Although it was rebuilt in 1875–76, the church retains medieval contents, including a font. The walls are decorated in Arts and Crafts style sgraffito with designs by Heywood Sumner based on the Benedicite. I
St Afran, St Ieuan and St Sannan Llantrisant, Anglesey
53°19′40″N 4°28′47″W / 53.3277°N 4.4798°W / 53.3277; -4.4798 (St Afran, St Ieuan and St Sannan, Llantrisant)
A T-shaped low stone church with a slate roof seen beyond grave slabs Late 14th century Sited in an isolated position by a farm, it became redundant in 1899 when a new church was built nearer the centre of the settlement. By 1970 it was in ruins and without a roof. It was repaired in 1976–77 and came into the care of the charity in 2002. II*
St Mary Penllech, Gwynedd
52°52′39″N 4°38′48″W / 52.8775°N 4.6466°W / 52.8775; -4.6466 (St Mary, Penllech)
A simple stone church seen almost from the east end. The east window has two lights and a slightly pointed arch, and at the far end the bellcote can be seen 15th century (probable) The church stands on an old pilgrims' route. Although it was substantially rebuilt in 1840, its interior retains its Georgian style. Since coming under the care of the charity in 2009, repairs have been undertaken. II*
St David Llangeview, Monmouthshire
51°42′06″N 2°52′27″W / 51.7017°N 2.8742°W / 51.7017; -2.8742 (St David, Llangeview)
A small stone church seen from an angle; behind the chancel is a slightly higher nave with a bellcote at the far end. A porch protrudes beyond that Late 15th century The interior of the church is largely unrestored and contains a 15th-century rood screen with its loft, and rare pre-Victorian box pews and other fittings. It was declared redundant in 1999, and repairs to the exterior have been carried out. I
St Figael Llanfigael, Anglesey
53°18′57″N 4°30′41″W / 53.3158°N 4.5114°W / 53.3158; -4.5114 (Llanfigael Church)
A small plain stone church seen from an angle with a bellcote on the near gable, and a simple door and two windows along the side 18th century (probable) The church was largely rebuilt in 1841 and has retained most of its 19th-century interior. It also contains three fonts, the oldest dating back to the 12th century. Since taking it over, the charity has re-roofed it and reintroduced timber tracery in the windows. II
St Andrew Bayvil, Pembrokeshire
52°01′53″N 4°46′08″W / 52.0314°N 4.7688°W / 52.0314; -4.7688 (St Andrew, Bayvil)
A simple stone church seen from the south. The only visible features are a west bellcote and two windows Early 19th century This is thought to be an early 19th-century rebuild of a medieval church, and it has been unaltered since. Its features include box pews, a three-decker pulpit with a sounding board, and a 12th-century font. II*
St Michael's Church Tremain, Ceredigion
52°06′28″N 4°34′42″W / 52.1078°N 4.5782°W / 52.1078; -4.5782 (St Michael, Tremain)
St. Michael Church - geograph.org.uk - 54226.jpg
1846–48 John Jones, otherwise known by his bardic name of Talhaiarn, designed the church in Early English style. Jones is acknowledged as the first Welsh architect to have been trained formally, and this is the only building he designed exclusively by himself. II*
St Dogfael Meline, Pembrokeshire
52°00′55″N 4°44′38″W / 52.0152°N 4.7439°W / 52.0152; -4.7439 (St Dogfael, Meline)
A small, single-storey, church with a porch and bellcote to the western end 1864-65 A Victorian church dating from 1864 by Robert Jewell Withers for Sir Thomas Lloyd of Bronwydd Castle. II
St Mark Brithdir, Gwynedd
52°44′55″N 3°50′00″W / 52.7487°N 3.8332°W / 52.7487; -3.8332 (St Mark, Brithdir)
Part of a stone church with a large slate roof seen from a slight angle; on the left is a slightly protruding porch with wooden gates, and on the summit is a bellcote 1895–98 Designed by Henry Wilson, this is considered to be one of the finest Arts and Crafts churches in Wales. It was commissioned in memory of Rev Charles Tooth, founder of St Mark's English Church, Florence. I
St Teilo Llandeloy, Pembrokeshire
51°53′51″N 5°06′58″W / 51.8975°N 5.1162°W / 51.8975; -5.1162 (St Teilo, Llandeloy)
A simple stone church with a slate roof, a bellcote on the nearest gable and a transept on the right 1926 The church was built from medieval ruins and designed by John Coates Carter based on the principles of the Arts and Crafts Movement. Its interior is dominated by a carved rood screen and a painted reredos. II
St Philip Caerdeon, Gwynedd
52°44′37″N 3°59′57″W / 52.7436°N 3.9993°W / 52.7436; -3.9993 (St Philip, Caerdeon)
A small, low-built, church of irregular design 19th century Built for the Rev. William Edward Jelf in 1862, designed by his brother-in-law, John Louis Petit. Jelf, a High church clergyman wanted a church on his newly-acquired estate where his Oxford seminarians could worship in the English language. A furious row ensued, as there was an existing legal obligation to hold services in Welsh in all churches in Welsh-speaking areas. Jelf lost his case in the Court of Arches but was supported by the Bishop of Bangor who used his influence and position in the House of Lords to secure the passing of the English Services in Wales Act in 1863, which allowed for English-language services in certain circumstances, including if the church was a private chapel, as St Philip's was deemed to be. I

Formerly vested churches

St Peter's, Corpusty, Norfolk was owned from 1982, then transferred into the care of the Norfolk Churches Trust in 2009.

Partnership with Ancient Monuments Society

From 1993 to 2021, the Friends worked in partnership with the Ancient Monuments Society, sharing an office and staff, operating a joint membership scheme, and publishing a joint newsletter, while retaining separate finances and governing bodies. The co-operation came about because the Friends' founder, Ivor Bulmer-Thomas, was also Secretary and later Chairman of the Ancient Monuments Society. The arrangement was amicably dissolved at the request of the Friends, effective 27 September 2021.

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