Lon Leidr
Llandyfrydog
Llannerch-y-medd
Anglesey
LL71 8AG
Closed for repairs
OS grid reference
SH 44353 85343
what3words
empty.scariest.amountingSt Tyfrydog’s is a medieval church, built in two phases in the 15th century, that was twice restored in the 19th century
Although the oldest parts of the present building date back to the turn of the 15th century, tradition states that the church was founded in the 5th century by St Tyfrydog. This saint is often accredited with a quite literally petrifying miracle. The age-old of tale goes that a man, often referred to as “Wil Llaw Flewog”, stole a bible and the communion silver from Llandyfrydog church and, as he was making his escape across the fields, with his stolen goods stuffed into a sack on his back, he was turned to stone by St Tyfrydog or, in alternate versions, a spirit or God himself. Today, the petrified thief still stands in the fields south of Llandyfrydog, a transmuted lichen-covered warning to thieves everywhere.
Despite two separate 19th century restorations, St Tyfrydog’s retains much of its medieval fabric. The large double chamfered chancel arch dates from the early 15th century and so do most of the nave’s cusped Gothic windows. The exception is the slightly higher window on the south side of the nave, which was inserted in the 19th century to light the pulpit. The woodwork inside St Tyfrydog’s dates from the first 19th century restoration of the church in 1832. The nave pews are an interesting late flourishing of Georgian box pews, with panelled doors and open back benches.
The east window, dating from the 15th century, contains the church’s only stained glass. This remarkably vibrant window depicts several Biblical scenes and was installed in 1873 in memory of Edward Richards. With large panels and rich enamel colours, this stained glass window is the work of notable Liverpudlian stained glass producer W.H. Sullivan (credit to Nigel Callaghan for this identification). Matching the hues of the east window, the plaster between the rafters is a distinctive and refreshing pale blue, which contrasts the dark arched-braced collared roof trusses.
About ten miles away is St Mary’s, Tal-y-Llyn, which has been in our care since 1999. Although now dedicated to St Mary, it is thought that the church at Tal-y-Llyn was originally dedicated to St Tudur, the brother of St Tyfrydog.
St Tyfrydog’s finally came into our care in 2025 and we are currently working on plans of repairs, which will involve repointing, renewing the rainwater goods, fixing the holes in the roof, replacing the rotten flooring, and redecorating the interior walls. Hopefully, the repairs will be completed and the church reopen by the end of 2026.
Late Georgian pews with panelled doors and open back benches.
Gloriously vibrant stained glass in the east window, the work of notable Liverpudlian stained glass producer W.H. Sullivan (credit to Nigel Callaghan for this identification).
A massive stone font in the porch, thought to be medieval in origin.
An 18th century brass sundial, with gnomon missing, on a medieval stone shaft in the churchyard.
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