St Dona's Church, Llanddona facts for kids
St Dona's Church in Llanddona is a small church in Anglesey, north Wales. The first church here was built way back in 610 AD! The building you see today was built much later, in 1873. It was designed by the church's leader at the time. Some older parts were used again, like a fancy doorway from the 1400s and a bell from the 1600s.
This church is still used for services by the Church in Wales. It is one of seven churches in a group. St Dona's is also a special "Grade II listed building". This means it's an important historical building that should be protected. It's special because it's a good example of a "Gothic revival" style church from the late 1800s.
Quick facts for kids St Dona's Church, Llanddona |
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The church seen from the south
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| OS grid reference | SH 574 808 |
| Location | Llanddona, Anglesey |
| Country | Wales, United Kingdom |
| Denomination | Church in Wales |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | 610; present church built in 1873 |
| Dedication | St Dona |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade II |
| Designated | 30 January 1968 |
| Architect(s) | Reverend Peter Jones (1873) |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Style | Gothic revival |
| Specifications | |
| Materials | Rubble masonry |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Beaumaris with Llanddona and Llaniestyn |
| Deanery | Tindaethwy and Menai |
| Archdeaconry | Bangor |
| Diocese | Diocese of Bangor |
| Province | Province of Wales |
Contents
History of St Dona's Church
St Dona's Church is on a steep hill close to the sea in eastern Anglesey. It's about one mile from the village of Llanddona. The village gets its name from the church. The Welsh word "llan" means "church," and "–ddona" comes from the saint's name.
Early Beginnings and Repairs
Historians say a church was first built here in 610 AD. It was named after St Dona, who lived near the sea. Records show a church existed here in 1254. In the 1840s, the church needed a lot of work. One writer said it was in a "wretched" state until repairs were made.
Rebuilding in the 1800s
In 1873, the church was completely rebuilt. The person in charge was the rector, Peter Jones. He designed the new church himself.
The Church Today
St Dona's Church is still an active place of worship. It is part of the Church in Wales. It is grouped with six other churches, including those in Beaumaris and Llaniestyn. The current rector, or lead priest, is Reverend Neil Fairlamb.
Architecture and Features
St Dona's is built from rough stones called "rubble masonry." It has a slate roof. At the west end, there's a stone "bellcote" where the bell hangs. A stone cross sits at the east end of the roof.
Inside the Church
You enter the church through a porch on the south side. This leads to a doorway from the 1400s. This round doorway has carvings of a bird, a dog, a human face, and a cherub. Inside, the main part of the church, called the "nave," is separated from the "chancel" (where the altar is) by a step. The wooden roof beams can be seen from inside.
Windows and Fittings
The window at the east end has three tall sections. It has stained glass added in 1963. This glass shows Jesus in the middle, with St Curig and St Dona on either side. Above them are pictures of a lion, dove, lamb, and eagle. An old stone with the date 1566 is set upside down in the wall above this window. The other windows are simpler and have "unusual opaque leaded glass."
Most of the church's inside features are from the late 1800s. However, the eight-sided "font" (a basin for baptisms) might be from the 1300s. The church bell is from 1647. In 1937, a survey found an 18th-century communion table and a silver cup from the 1700s.
Churchyard and War Graves
The churchyard around St Dona's has two special graves. These are "Commonwealth war graves."
World War I Grave
One grave belongs to Hugh Williams. He was a soldier in the Royal Welch Fusiliers during World War I. He died in 1918.
World War II Pilot's Grave
The other grave is for Robert W. H. Everett. He was a fighter pilot in the Fleet Air Arm during World War II. He died in 1942 when his plane crashed on a nearby beach. Before the war, Everett was a famous jockey. He won the 1929 Grand National horse race and the 1934 Irish Grand National. In 1941, he was given a special award, the Distinguished Service Order, for shooting down a German bomber plane.
Why St Dona's Church is Special
St Dona's Church is protected by law as a "Grade II listed building." This means it's a building of special interest that should be kept safe. It got this status in 1968. It's listed because it's a good example of a simple "Gothic revival" church from the late 1800s. Cadw, the Welsh government group that protects old buildings, says its simple style fits well with its size and location.
