History
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St Mary’s Church, Llanfair Talhaiarn, is a very special and holy place, steeped in history. Although the precise origins of the church remain the subject of much speculation, the best supported version suggests that St Talhaearn had a cell here in the 5th century AD. According to the Iolo manuscripts (a selection of ancient Welsh manuscripts, in prose and verse, from the collection made by the late Edward Williams, bardic name Iolo Morganwg). Talhaearn was a confessor to Emrys Wledig, the Welsh name for the Romano-British war leader Ambrosius who fought the Saxons. When his patron was killed he became a hermit and settled here in North Wales. Another version of the story has it that he had been a monk at Abbey Valle Crucis near Llangollen and left there after a disagreement. St Talhaearn is credited with the composition of The Gorsedd Prayer still used at gatherings of Bards.
Moving forward to 1274 AD there is a record of one Ithel Vychan being the local Prebendary (a senior member of the Anglican or Roman Catholic church) and in 1291 taxes were paid by the “Ecclesia de Lanveyrdalhaern”, the same year that David ap Llywarch took over from Vychan.
Inevitably there have been many changes to the structure with frequent rebuildings and restorations. The present building dates back to around 1600 AD and there are floor stones inscribed from 1623. Worn thatch was replaced by slates in 1734 and a gallery constructed in 1755. At that time there were box pews and a canopied pulpit.
Major restoration works in 1839 and 1876 led by architect John Aldred Scott means that the church you see now is very different from the original with very few of its former features remaining, though there are medieval timbers in the arched roof.
Fascinating records from the Churchwardens’ book 1719-1774 show that in 1738 Bishop Madoks confirmed 974 persons from “ye several parishes”. The register also records the marriage in 1763 of Thomas Edwards (Twm o’r Nant, renowned poet and writer) to Elizabeth Hughes. Evan Evans (Ieuan Fardd, also a famed poet and antiquary) officiated – a very literary event. Continuing the literary theme, note that our outstanding memorial in the churchyard is the grave of John Jones, (Bardic name, Talhaiarn), our more recent and celebrated poet.
A Tour of the Church
Walk around the church by turning left towards the west wall. You will see many wall memorials that date mostly from the 19th Century particularly recording the Wynne family history who were the owners at that time of the Garthewin estate nearby.
The font currently at the west end of the church is Victorian; within the church are also two other more ancient bowls that would have been used as fonts in earlier times. On the wall in the north west corner is the Benefactions board recording donations from local people to support a school in the area.
The font currently at the west end of the church is Victorian; within the church are also two other more ancient bowls that would have been used as fonts in earlier times. On the wall in the north west corner is the Benefactions board recording donations from local people to support a school in the area.
Below your feet at this point note two wooden trap doors that cover a rare and unusual Immersion Font installed in the 1840’s. Rarely used in recent years it would have been the site of many baptisms after its installation.
On a pillar on the left hand side of the chancel is a fascinating primitive carved stone face. Its origins are uncertain but it is thought to be medieval of origin and perhaps was formerly a corbel.
The beautifully coloured east window was created by Henry Gustav Hiller and funded by William Price in memory of his wife.
On the south wall near to the altar is a memorial with a Latin inscription to Colonel William Wynne who was killed at the battle of Wem in 1643 – a link to the troubled times of 17th Century.
Further history currently lies beneath the carpeted flooring where many even more gravestones record the deaths of local gentry.
The Church yard
A place to explore - An illustrated leaflet “Our Country Churchyard” provides visitors comprehensive information as they explore.
On either side of the entrance path are two large yew trees, both very old. The smaller of the two on the right may well date from 13th Century.
Our churchyard is cared for by volunteers and over the past 3 years has been developed as a nature area that is open to all visitors. It now has a small wildflower meadow, a bug hotel created by the local school children and seating including benches with a table where visitors can enjoy a picnic while looking out at the view over the village and the river. Feeders and nest boxes attract many birds. Of great interest, and sometimes seen in the long grass, are slow worms, legless lizards
Of huge historic importance to the area are the many visible gravestones that provide insight into the lives of local people and the community over the centuries; the earliest stone found is dated 1736 and the latest towards the end of the1870’s. A very significant memorial is the grave of John Jones, (Bardic name, Talhaiarn), a celebrated Welsh bard of the 19th Century who was born in the village and died in his house right next to the church in 1869.
Illustrated leaflets, “Welcome to St Mary’s Church” and “Our Country Churchyard” are available to visitors and contain all this information and more.
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