Open Doors - St. Nidan’s Church, Llanidan (Brynsiencyn)

If the original church dedicated to St Nidan and established in 616 A.D is well hidden to the south of Brynsiencyn in a quiet corner, a stone’s throw away from Afon Menai, the new Llanidan church is hard to miss as you travel into the village along the A4080. It was built between 1839 and 1843 as the population of Brynsiencyn grew, and the structure of the original church, about a half a mile from the village, deteriorated.

The present church, like its predecessor, is dedicated to St Nidan, a 7th century Welsh saint who was the confessor of the monastery at Penmon on the eastern tip of Ynys Môn.

The original intention was to build a spire on the west tower, but a crenellated tower, that gives the church its distinctive character, was added almost a century later. The church’s design and structure received a mixed reception in the first instance from those who deemed the original church’s design and architecture to be vastly superior. But, unusual or not, it is a Grade II listed building containing a number of interesting features, amongst them the 13th century font moved from the original church, as well as two bells and a reliquary that, according to tradition, is thought to hold the remains of St. Nidan. 

Address - St. Nidan’s Church, Llanidan (Brynsiencyn), Anglesey, LL61 6TT.     
SH 489674 

The church stands on the A4080 as you enter Brynsiencyn from Llanfairpwllgwyngyll.

Wheelchair access via ramp on request.

The church will be open and stewarded on Sunday 28 September between 11am and 4pm.