Open Doors - St. Mary’s Church, Llanfair yn y Cwmwd

Far from the madding crowd describes perfectly the peaceful surroundings of the small church of St Mary’s Llanfair-yn-y-Cwmwd. It nestles in a sheltered spot down a narrow road about half a mile to the east of Llangeinwen church.

Its simple, unembellished structure, a Grade II listed building, dates from the 15th century, and the fact that its original structure has not been extended or altered much during the following centuries gives it its distinctive character.

On the north wall of the chancel you can see a coffin lid dating from the mid-13th century, decorated with a carved cross and a foliage design; another interesting feature is the font dating from the 12th century at the west end of the nave.

One of the stained glass windows commemorates the life of W.R. Williams, a local medical practitioner and husband of the historian Elizabeth Ann Williams, Taldrwst, Dwyran. She was the author of Hanes Môn yn y Bedwaredd Ganrif ar Bymtheg (The History of Anglesey in the Nineteenth Century), published in 1927 and a classic of its time.

Amongst those buried in the churchyard are Maurice Wilks, designer of the Land Rover, as well as Rev. Emlyn Jones, a minister at Dwyran chapel for many years, and local GP Dr John B.T.Griffiths whose grandfather was Dr John Williams, Brynsiencyn.

No services are held here now but the aim is to develop St Mary’s Llanfair-yn-y-Cwmwd as a pilgrimage church where weary travellers can come to enjoy spiritual rest and peace.

Address - St. Mary’s, Llanfair yn y Cwmwd, Gaerwen, Anglesey, LL61 6AX. 
SH 446667   

The church is situated almost a mile north of Llangeinwen Church, just outside the village of Dwyran. It can be found down a small lane between Llangeinwen Church and the nearby petrol filling station. 

Wheelchair access is available.