St Paul

St Paul’s was built in local limestone between 1874-6 by the architect John Hill for the villagers working in the lead  mining industry there dating back to pre-Roman times and supported by the first Duke of Westminster 1825-1899 to whom the stunning marble font is dedicated.

Rhosesmor grew as a distinct lead mining village in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. St Paul’s benefited from local landowners who contributed to the formation of the church. Opened in 1876, the site was granted by the Duke of Westminster, the foundation stone laid by Mrs J Strutt Bankes of Soughton Hall in 1874. The ornate marble font is surrounded by diaper work black and white tiles, wainscot commemorating Jane Edwards of Penyparc (d1925), overseen by a bust with commemorative inscription ‘To the glory of God and in grateful memory of Hugh Lupus, First Duke of Westminster.

An ornate screen of seven unequal lights with pierced Gothic tracery above the arches, bears a relief inscription ‘Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise’, Inscribed: to the Glory of God and in loving memory of John Ethelston Eldon Bankes who died May 15th, 1908 aged 23. The screen was erected by his parents in 1909.

The polygonal pulpit dated 1896, is the gift of Mrs Bankes, Soughton Hall in memory of John Scott Bankes born 1826 and died 1894. A reredos has blind gothic panelling and brattishing, and was given in memory of Revd Edward Evans, vicar of the parish 1916-23. The larger of the two oak sanctuary chairs is a gift from Hawarden parish church and used by Rt Hon WE Gladstone. The oak altar is inscribed To the Glory of God and in memory of James Parker Hughes, Groes Farm who for 37 years was vicar’s warden of this parish and died 7th March 1933. The chancel has three windows depicting nativity, crucifixion and ascension by Ballantine of c1865, possibly brought from another church.. The W window of 1910 depicts the the Annunciation, said to be by Jones & Willis.

In Saint Paul’s you will find a small shop The Outpost, a welcome coffee area, information on the village heritage and walks where you can explore the hillfort a Site of Special Scientific Interest, with stunning views over the Dee Estuary and the Clwydian Range. Walkers and cyclists are always welcome here.