Derwen, a small hamlet with a population of circa 400, nestles in the lee of Mynydd y Berwyn. North Wales.
No shops: No post office: No pub: No church.
Come, visit Ty Dduw, "The House of God"
St. Mary's, a grade 1 listed building, redundant for use as a "place of worship" since 2000.
As you stroll through the small graveyard you will discover ancient history;
The Preaching Cross, common during the Middle Ages, this example dates from the beginning of the 15th Century. A time when small hamlets were unable, without a wealthy benefactor being around to build them a church. Priests would travel the land, the villagers would gather round, and listen to well; what? marriages and baptisms also took place. .
The remaining well worn, what would have been intricately carved reliefs on the head, depict scenes from their christian bible.
St Mary's is first recorded in 1254 with a given value of 13s 4d. In decimal currency that equates to 67p (I guess about 0.75 euro)!
It underwent major renovation in the mid 19th century, at a cost of £750. It was at this time that the staircase that rose to the Rood Loft was removed.
The rood screen was a feature in medieval churches to separate the choir and chancel area from the worshippers.
A Rood Loft, was often used by travelling minstrels who could assemble themselves for all to see, it may, at at other times have seated the "landed gentry" during service, I guess the higher you are the grander you are the closer you are to your god.
Both these are the original 15th century installations; as are the roof trusses and beams.
I love the way the original slate slab flooring is worn at the entry points to the rows of pews
The two panels of stained glass were fitted during the Victorian restoration, and are in perfect condition, undamaged.
In pristine condition two memorial tablets from the 18th Century. The complicated use in ancient english of using the "long S" which looks like and is misconstrued as an "f"
This intrigued me and a cursory search has left the question unanswered as to why a local man would be serving as a gunner in the army of the USA.
All I can find is that in the 1901 census he lived at Derwen Hall, (intriguing, as he was born in Derwen lancashire). He lived here with his mother and 8 Williamson siblings, another male from Mexico,( listed as a brother, hmmm!!) and 2 servants. there was no record of a father being in the household. A wealthy family.
I wish I stuck to just taking snaps, my curiosity can be so frustrating at times!
