Denbigh, Leicester's Church

Visitor Notice

Following the announcement of a short ‘firebreak’ lockdown by the Welsh Government as of 6pm on Friday 23 October, all Cadw staffed and unstaffed sites will be closed until further notice.

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Diolch and we hope to see you again soon.

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.