An inspiring place of pilgrimage for centuries and visited by St Winifred en route from Holywell to Gwytherin, where she would become abbess and end her life.
Bodfari, Denbighshire
Originally dedicated to St Deifer (NB a variety of spellings exist), the legendary 7th century abbot and founder, the church was mentioned in 1086 in the Domesday Book where ‘Boteuuarul’ is described as a village with two villagers, two small holders, two slaves a church and a priest.
Today the Grade II* listed building incorporates a medieval tower and a south aisle added in 17th century to accommodate parishioners from Aberwheeler who had lost their chapel of ease, ‘Capel Hwlcyn’. The body of the church was rebuilt by the renowned Wyatt practice in the mid 19th century, but they retained an octagonal pulpit with allegorical figures dated 1635, the 16th century octagonal stone font, the 17th century altar and the mediaeval, three locked parish chest. There are three magnificent stained glass windows by Clayton & Bell: Faith, Hope and Charity; Christ in Majesty with Acts of Mercy; The Virgin Mary with a Family Group.
The church has a steep churchyard which gives wonderful views of the Vale of Clwyd and the remains of a sundial can seen in the ground by the porch. Bodfari is the last overnight stop if walking south to north on the Offa's Dyke Path and the first if setting off from the north. The Clwydian Way long distance path also passes through the village. The place has always attracted pilgrims and next door to the church is a popular pub, which may contain the village’s sacred well, Ffynnon Ddeier.
Diheufyr ap Hawystl Gloff is known as the saint of Bodfari and St Winifred is said to have left Holywell and visited him here, where he lived as a recluse, seeking spiritual guidance about her future, although their dates make this doubtful, but Bodfari Church was so famous at that time that St Winifred is sure to have visited it en-route from Holywell to Gwytherin, where she was to become abbess and end her life. St Deifer’s holy well was famous for its healing properties, for its Ascension Day processional service and as a place where children were dipped to the neck at three of its corners ‘to prevent their crying at night’. St Deifer was also well known for his miraculous lighting of candles in his church at Bodfari.
Tremeirchion, Denbighshire
Join centuries of pilgrims who have visited this medieval church on the North Wales Pilgrim’s Way, nestling in its Celtic circular churchyard, surrounded by 800 year old yews and with magnificent, far reaching views of the countryside and sea.
Denbigh, Denbighshire
St Marcella was the site of a holy well where Marcella, of Celtic descent, offered meditation and simple refuge for travellers around 900 years ago.
Trefnant, Clwyd
A place of welcome and peace, where a sense of both spirituality and history enfolds the visitor.
