Old St Peter

Incorporated into the Valor Beneficiorum (Pope Nicholas IV Taxatio of 1291) as Llanpetya. The building is of two main periods; the western half is probably late 13th century and the eastern half a rebuild or extension in 14th century or 15th century. An estate map of Llanbedr Hall, dated 1744 shows three access paths with gates through parkland to the public road to the south.

On 21st July 1776 a vestry minute records the gift by Mr Edward Thelwall of Llanbedr Hall, for ever to the Parish of Llanbedr, a carriageway from the road below the church. On 29th January 1808 Joseph Ablett the then owner of Llanbedr Hall confirms to the Parish the use of the carriageway to the church from his new access road. On 23rd September 1860 John Jesse, the new owner of Llanbedr Hall recorded in his diary that graves in the churchyard were shallow and he had witnessed human bones being exhumed during burials. He wrote that he would never give an inch of ground to extend the burial ground. He subsequently agreed to build a new church for the parish.

The new church was consecrated in September 1864. After this the old church was only used for funerals. The churchyard was closed on 14th February 1883, with the exception of burials of the spouse of people already buried. The last burial was in 1905. Unfortunately the old church and graveyard became neglected and fell into disrepair. In 1896 it was recorded in the vestry minutes that it was in such bad condition that the roof should be taken off and the walls on both sides should be reduced in height. This explains the current state of the church ruin. The church was not deconsecrated until 1991, when it became the responsibility of the Representative Body of the Church in Wales. The old church ruin and graveyard are now looked after by the Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd Community Council.

Enjoy a virtual tour here: