Church of St Nicholas, Trellech facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Church of St Nicholas, Trellech, Monmouthshire |
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| Church of St Nicholas | |
"One of the finest churches in the county"
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| Location | Trellech, Monmouthshire |
| Country | Wales |
| Denomination | Church in Wales |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | c.14th century |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 19 November 1953 |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Decorated |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Trellech and Penallt |
| Deanery | Monmouth |
| Archdeaconry | Monmouth |
| Diocese | Monmouth |
The Church of St Nicholas is a historic parish church in the village of Trellech, Monmouthshire, Wales. It was built around the 14th century in a style called Decorated Gothic.
Experts believe most of the church was built all at once around the year 1300. It was repaired in the 18th century and had major restoration work done in 1893 and 1992. Because it is a beautiful and well-kept medieval church, it is protected as a Grade I listed building. The church is still used for services today.
Contents
History of the Church
Most evidence shows that St Nicholas Church was built in the early 1300s. Some historians think it was a rebuild of an older church that was destroyed in a fire in 1296.
While a few parts, like a priest's door, look a little older, experts don't think they are from an earlier Norman building. The tower might have been built at the same time or a bit later. Records show it was rebuilt after collapsing in a storm. The weathercock at the top has the date 1792 on it.
The church is dedicated to Saint Nicholas and continues to be an active place of worship for the local community.
Architecture and Design
The architectural historian John Newman called St Nicholas's "one of the finest churches in the county." It is built from Old Red Sandstone. The stone is covered in so much lichen (a type of plant-like growth) that it has a unique, textured look.
What the Church Looks Like Outside
The church has a main section called a nave with two aisles, a chancel (the area around the altar), a porch, and a tall west tower. The tower has a spire that rises up from behind a decorative wall called a parapet.
Inside the Church
The inside of the church is described as "handsome but curiously cold." During the 1992 restoration, the walls were plastered and painted, and a new floor was put in. The layout of the altar rails is very special because it is a rare example of an old design style.
Inside, you can see a Royal Coat of Arms of King Charles II, dated 1683. There is also a fascinating sundial from the 17th century. It used to be outside near the village school but was moved into the church in 1895 for protection.
The Trellech Sundial
The sundial was a gift from Lady Probert in 1689. It is special because it shows three famous landmarks of Trellech:
- Tump Terret: A large mound. The sundial has Latin writing that says "Great in its Mound" and "Oh! How many are buried here."
- Harold's Stones: A set of standing stones. The writing says "Greater in its Stones" and "Here Harold was victorious."
- The Virtuous Well: A natural spring. The writing says "Greatest in its Well."
Because of its history and beauty, the church is a Grade I listed building. This is the highest grade of protection, given to buildings of exceptional interest.
