St Mary the Virgin
Overton on Dee, Wrexham
The church is perhaps is most famous for the ring of yew trees that are in the churchyard, which are one of the 'Seven Wonders of Wales'.
A series of display panels and our animatronic talking monk, Robert, tell the Legend which links the church to a substantial 6th century monastery which, according to the Venerable Bede, an 8th century monk, was destroyed by King Aethlefrithe of Northumberland in 613AD. If Bede is to be believed, there were over 2000 monks at Bangor and this is why Bangor on Dee is sometimes referred to as Bangor Monachorum (Bangor of the Monks).
The church is named after St Dunawd who was reputed to have been a distinguished Abbot of the monastery father of St Deiniol who founded Bangor Cathedral. He died in the early 7th century. The chancel dates from the red sandstone church built around 1300AD and the window by the rector’s stall dates from that period. William, son of Lord St John, was the first rector in 1300 and there is a full list of rectors on display since then to the present day.
During the 18th century the south aisle was rebuilt and the tower of the church was constructed. Further developments and improvements have occurred over the following 200 years. Bell ringing has been a tradition since at least the early 18th century. There are six bells of which four are dated 1727, one 1812 and one 1865. The bells were rehung in 1946.
Excellent refreshments are available from the 2 neighbouring pubs. We have a historical display featuring the church and village life, including a resident monk who tells the story of the origins of the monastery.