St Francis Xavier & St David Lewis
Usk , Monmouthshire
Built in 1847 in the Gothic Revival style to a design by Hansom, this recently restored rural parish church is one of the oldest and most beautiful Catholic churches in south Wales.
St Aeddan’s is Grade I Listed single cell building. It is a well-preserved and well-restored 15th century medieval parish church, with 12th century foundations.
The church consists of barrel-vaulted nave with integral chancel, which is divided by the almost complete oak rood screen with its loft and tympanum still in situ. It is thought to be perhaps the most complete rood arrangement in any church in England and Wales. There is a rood stair against the south wall of the nave, a west bellcote and west porch, all of which date from the 15th century.
The church is surrounded by three of Wales’s most historic Yew trees. The churchyard is also renowned for its beautiful setting as it is located at the crossroads of some of the Usk Valley’s most ancient walk paths, which draws walkers from Wales and beyond.