St Michael
Penbryn, Ceredigion
The church stands above the settlement and beach of Penbryn a popular, National Trust owned, stretch of the coast.
This village church is dedicated to the Celtic Saint David and reflects the history of there being a religious site here since before 1066.
The present building was erected in 1865 and replaced an earlier building that included a nave and chancel with a bell. This represents a fine example of the work of R J Withers and contains a beautiful east window made by Lavers & Baraud. This aspect alone makes a visit worthwhile. It is located on the Pilgrimage Trail to St David's Cathedral.
One of the past incumbents, Alban Thomas (1722-1740) is described in the Dictionary of Welsh Biography as a cleric, poet and translator who was heavily involved in the literary revival in the district in the early 18th century. He was the author of one of the first books to be published by the first permanent printing press in Wales by Isaac Carter at Adpar, Newcastle Emlyn.
The building also boasts a well known, if somewhat controversial painting of the Madonna.