Open Doors - Church of St David, Colva

The Church of St David dates back to the 13th Century and is situated high up in the Radnorshire hills on an old drovers' road. It is Grade II* listed and is described as 'though modest in scale it retains considerable unspoilt character from medieval and later periods.' There are remains of important wall paintings on the North, East and South walls that comprise reformation texts over earlier medieval illustrations including a rare Memento Mori. The church received funding from various organisations, including Cadw, in 2023 to repair a badly leaking roof. The work was completed in February 2024.

The church is always open and there is much to see. The churchyard contains many old tombs which are faded and difficult to read. There is a transcription of all of the churchyard's and internal memorial inscriptions inside the church, together with a list of burials dating back to 1663. This provides an interesting social history on this area. There are also exhibition boards and photographs of the renovation works on view.

No booking required.

Address - The Church of St David, Colva, Powys, HR5 3RA.

Directions - the church is on an old drovers' road between Gladestry and Newchurch. If driving through Gladestry towards Newchurch, turn right signposted Colva. Proceed 2 miles along a single track road (with passing places), after the Colva sign, pass Colva Farm and you will see the church set back from the road on the right-hand side.