The Building

Sometime before the campaigns of Llewelyn the Last during a more peaceful time and settled period on the borders, a new church was built in Aberedw. 

It occupies a commanding position on the rising ground further up the valley of the Edw from the Castle and the Mound, and is undoubtedly on the site of a much earlier place of worship which may well date from pre Christian days.

 At the end of the 19th century 200 skeletons were discovered on the north-east side of the church, but these apparently date from the Middle Ages. Perhaps they are associated with the shield boss made of bronze which was found near Llewelyn’s Cave in 1874, dating from the 15th century.

The ancient yew trees on the north side of the church are judged to be at least 1500 years old. An inscription inside the church tells what little is known about St, Cewydd, a local saint.

There is no documentary evidence available to determine the exact date of the present church, although it is referred to in Taxacio of 1291.

Un like English churches architectural style in Wales offer few clues, as the little churches were nearly always built by local craftsmen, and did not always conform to the fashionable patterns of the age.

The church tower is plain sturdy. It is built in three stages, divided by two rough string courses. The middle stage is battered, and the upper course slightly overhangs and the whole is topped by a low pyramidal roof

It seems Probable that the present church or parts of it date from the 13th century with alteration about the end of the 15th and 17th centuries. The Large square tower of the church is a common feature of local churches, the type of tower being known as a St David’s Tower as the diocese of St David’s features a number of such towers. (This Diocese formed part of the Diocese of St David’s until 1923). The impressively large porch is also a local feature and is undoubtedly the work of local craftsmen. In the spacious porch was carried out much of the trade of the parish and it was the scene of many a business and legal transaction. It was also a very convenient shelter from the rain for those who played fives against the tower wall. The musicians would also sit on the benches in the porch to accompany the dancers on the church green outside.