St Sadwrn
Henllan, Denbighshire
Henllan is a wonderfully curious place, made even more interesting by the presence of St Sadwrn’s, its unique bell tower, and the lovely surroundings of the Bee Garden and the far reaching views.
St James is attractively positioned in the centre of Nantglyn near the old stone bridge which spans the Afon Lliwen.
It is a Grade II listed medieval church retaining significant original fabric, and retaining much simple gothic character internally and externally, relating to its mid Victorian restoration. There are historic references to a church in Nantglyn dating back hundreds of years.
The first church dedicated to the Celtic Saint Mordeyrn was on a different site in the village, the church we see today was dedicated to Saint James and is on a probable Celtic Llan site. The church was first mentioned in 1284, in 1291 taxation is recorded as having had an annual income of £2 13s 4d. St James's church has had many restorations over the years, one of the first in 1777.
Nantglyn parish church is a small rectangular single cell type it is originally of rubble construction with tooled limestone dressings and slate hung to the south and west faces added in the 19th century. Internally the church is a single cell plan with a continuous nave and chancel. The carved oak reredos, the ornamental screen covering the wall at the back of altar is an interesting feature and dedicated to Katherine Rawlinson of Tan-y-Gyrt dated 1870. The church has attractive stained glass windows. The triple lancet east window show scenes from Christ's Passion by O'Connor signed and dated 1861. The rose window dated 1877, in the bellcote, depicts Saints Peter, Paul, John and James, each within his own quatrefoil panel. The three south windows were installed in 1872 and depict figurative scenes of charitable acts.
The church stands in a churchyard with chest tombs dating back to 1770's, William Owen Pughe (1759 - 1835) antiquary and lexicographer is buried in the church yard. Many of the features in the church are dedicated to various members of his family and the legacy of the Wynne-Edwards family of Plas Nanglyn during the 19th century.
Two ancient yew trees stand majestically in the churchyard, the largest standing by the gravel pathway has a pulpit built into it and legend recalls John Wesley preaching from this vantage point. This special tree is featured as part of the Ancient Canopy dedicated to Her Majesty in celebration of the Platinum Jubilee.