Denbigh, Leicester's Church

Visitor Notice

This monument is open and free to visit with no pre-booking required.

Check our opening times and facilities below; please act responsibly and be respectful of the local area during your visit.

Please adhere to Welsh Government social distancing guidelines and coronavirus restrictions at all times and do not attempt to access enclosed spaces.

Overview

Remains of an ill-fated Elizabethan church

Conceived by Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and Queen Elizabeth I’s favourite, this church, located within Denbigh’s old town walls, had big ambitions. Intended to be the grandest of the period, it was the first large episcopal building designed for Protestant service and a potential replacement for St Asaph Cathedral.

However, this glorious future was not to be. Begun in 1578, work only progressed as far as window height before ceasing in 1584 due to lack of finances. When Dudley died unexpectedly in 1588 construction was abandoned completely, leaving his ambitious project forever unfinished.