St Mary
Trefriw, Clwyd
It’s said that a church was founded here c1230 by Llywelyn Fawr, Prince of Wales, to avoid the walk to the church at Llanrhychwyn.
A typical Welsh upland church with some stunning medieval stained glass.
Llanrhychwyn is a typical Welsh upland church, squat, sturdy and double naved, looking as though it has grown out of the bones of the hills. Inside is some glowing medieval stained glass. In the south nave is a lovely late medieval depiction of the Trinity.
A sorrowful bearded God the Father holds a crucifix with his dying son on his knees. Over his breast hovers the dove of the Holy Spirit. In the surrounding glass are fragments from the story of Christ’s childhood. The picture of Christ as a baby in his mother’s arms is particularly appealing, all tiny outstretched hands and feet. The north nave has a touching Crucifixion with the Virgin Mary standing stoically at her son’s side. Below this are St David and another saint. The pulpit is dated 1691 and the desk beneath it is 18th century.
You can drive to the church but there is really nowhere to park, it's better to walk. It's on the Cistercian Way.