St Gredifael's Church, Penmynydd facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Gredifael's Church |
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| St Gredifael's Church | |
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| Denomination | Church in Wales |
| Previous denomination | Roman Catholic Church of England |
| History | |
| Founder(s) | St Gredifael |
| Dedication | St Gredifael |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Closed |
| Heritage designation | Grade II* |
| Designated | 1968 |
| Years built | 6th century |
| Administration | |
| Parish | Penmynydd |
| Diocese | Diocese of Bangor |
St Gredifael's Church is a very old church in Penmynydd, Anglesey, Wales. It was first built way back in the 6th century by a saint named Gredifael. The stone building you see today was constructed in the 12th century.
This church is special because it holds the tomb of Goronwy ap Tudur Hen. He was an important ancestor of the famous House of Tudor, which included Kings of England. The church is also a "Grade II* listed building," meaning it's a very important historical site. The church has since closed.
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History of St Gredifael's Church
The first church on this spot was built around the 6th century AD by Saint Gredifael. A stronger stone building was put up later, in the 12th century. The church was rebuilt again in the 14th century. During this time, parts like the main hall (called the nave) and the area around the altar (the chancel) were made using old Norman carved stones.
Church Extensions and Repairs
In the early 15th century, the church got bigger. A new chapel was added on the north side, which later became known as the Tudor chapel. A new entrance porch was also built on the south side.
Later, in 1848 and again in 1969, parts of the church were repaired. These repairs fixed the upper sections of the walls. In 2010, there was worry that the church might have to close. It needed repairs but couldn't afford them. Luckily, the Welsh Assembly gave the church money, so it could stay open for a while longer.
Why St Gredifael's is a Listed Building
In 1968, St Gredifael's Church was given "Grade II* listed status." This means it's a very important historical building. It was listed because it's a "scarcely restored medieval rural church." This means it's an old church from the Middle Ages that hasn't been changed much. It also has a "fine late 14th-century alabaster effigy tomb."
The church is also important because of its strong connection to the Tudor family. They were a very powerful family from the village of Plas Penmynydd.
The Tudor Family Connection
St Gredifael's Church is very important to the House of Tudor. This famous royal family started in the village where the church is located. Inside the church, in the north chapel, you can find the tomb of Goronwy ap Tudur Hen. He was the great-uncle of Henry VII of England, the first Tudor king. His wife, Myfanwy Fychan, is also buried with him.
The Journey of the Tudor Tomb
Goronwy's tomb wasn't always at St Gredifael's Church. It was moved there from Llanfaes Friary. This happened after King Henry VIII of England closed down many monasteries and religious houses. This event is known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Sadly, the tombs have some damage. People used to believe that chips from the tombs had healing powers. Because of this, pilgrims would take pieces off them. As a result, the statue of Goronwy on his tomb is missing its hands. The statue of Myfanwy on her tomb is missing her fingers.
Tudor Symbols in the Church
The inside of the church has many designs that honor the Tudor family. You can see Tudor Roses in the stained glass windows. A portcullis, which was a symbol of the House of Beaufort, is also there. The Beauforts were another important family connected to the Tudors.
The window also has a special Welsh saying: "UNDEB FEL RHOSYN YW AR LAN AFONYDD AC FEL TY DUR AR BEN Y MYNYDDD." This means "Unity is like a rose on a river bank and like a house of steel on top of a mountain." You can also see fleur de lys symbols on the ends of the pews. These refer to Catherine of Valois, who was the wife of Owen Tudor. They also represent the Tudor family's claim to the French throne.
In 2007, a very important person visited the church. It was Charles, Prince of Wales, who is a descendant of the House of Tudor and is now the King of the United Kingdom.
