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, which dates back to pre-Roman times. 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. The site was given by Hugh Lupus, first Duke of Westminster (1825-1899) with foundation stone laid by Mrs J Strutt Bankes of Soughton Hall in 1874. 

By 1890 necessary repairs, including the present roof beams, were undertaken by architect John Douglas of Chester. The west end Annunciation windows, by Jones and Willis were presented by the Revd W E Torr of Eastham, on the Wirral. The availability of funds grew over the next 25 years and Mr Scott Bankes, replaced the dilapidated chairs in the nave and supplied new fittings for the chancel. The polygonal pulpit dated 1896, was given by Mrs Bankes in his memory.

The three windows in the chancel are by Ballantine c1865, and depict the nativity, crucifixion and ascension. 

Following the death of the Duke of Westminster in 1899 the ornate marble font was purchased and dedicated. Originally the font was surrounded by diaper work black and white tiles and wainscot commemorating Jane Edwards of Penyparc (d1925). Both the font and tiles were repositioned towards the front of the church in a 2023 re-ordering.

In 1909 an ornate screen of seven unequal lights with pierced Gothic tracery was installed. It is dedicated to John Ethelston Eldon Bankes who died May 15th, 1908 aged 23, with the phrase ‘Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and into His courts with praise’. The screen was erected by his parents.

The reredos behind the altar has blind gothic panelling and brattishing, was given in memory of Revd Edward Evans, vicar of the parish 1916-1923. 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.

In St Paul’s you will find a small shop The Outpost, and a community garden, Y Bwthyn. We have 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.