Church of St Aelrhiw

Cadw's description

Location

In a loop of the lane running NE from Rhiw village on the slopes of Mynydd Rhiw, 1km approx. E of the village.

History

Anglican parish church now disused, rebuilt in 1860 but apparently repeating the cruciform plan of its predecessor. A terrier of 1776 describes the plan as cruciform. Edward Hyde Hall in 1809-11 describes the church as small dark and mean without even a pulpit. Sir Stephen Glynne in 1858 describes the church as a small rude church of clumsy quasi-cruciform plan with W bellcote. The present building has short nave, long transepts and minimal chancel, all the detail and the roof-pitch C19, but the walls may incorporate earlier work as there is evidence of alteration at the W and E ends. The church is first recorded in 1254 and the rounded churchyard may indicate an early Celtic site.

Exterior

Former parish church, rubble stone with slate roofs. Unusual plan of short nave with W bellcote and very short chancel either side of long transepts. All roofs to same pitch and ridge. Windows are slightly pointed, close to round arched. W end has single light and bellcote is coped with single opening. Nave N has double ledged doors, similar head. Transepts are windowless to W and with single end window and single E side window. Chancel projects a little and has slightly taller window with 2-light Y-racery. Leaded glazing generally, replaced in plate glass in transept end windows.

Interior

Not accessible at time of survey. Said to have C19 roof trusses and furnishings and grave slab to Lowri Wynne of Boduan d 1674.

Reason for designation

Included for the unusual plan form and as a rural church unaffected by the Victorian Gothic revival.