St Mary's Church, Betws Gwerful Goch
History
The building dates probably from the 12th century although there may have been an earlier church on the site dedicated to Saint Elain. It was restored by the Chester architect John Douglas in 1881–82. In the process of this restoration, the north door was removed, a vestry with a chimney was added, and the box pews were taken out. The plaster was removed from the walls, windows were replaced, a buttress was added to the south side, a new screen was erected. A new bellcote with a spire, and the lychgate were added. In 1985 the bellcote had to be removed.
Architecture
The church is built in shale. The roofs are covered in slates, with stone ridge tiles. Its plan consists of a nave and a chancel, with a south porch and a vestry to the north of the chancel. At the east end is a stone cross finial. The east window is part of Douglas' restoration; it consists of three lights with ogee heads.
See also
References
- ^ Betws Gwerful Goch with Llangwm (Dinmael) with Llawrybetws, Diocese of St Asaph, retrieved 9 February 2014
- ^ Cadw, "Church of St Mary (Grade II*) (664)", National Historic Assets of Wales, retrieved 2 April 2019
- ^ Church of St Mary, Bettws Gwerfil Goch, Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust, retrieved 21 June 2009
- ^ Hubbard, Edward (1986), Clwyd, The Buildings of Wales, London: Penguin, pp. 141–142, ISBN 0-14-071052-3
-
Douglas' groundplan for the restoration