Denbigh, Leicester's Church

Visitor Notice

Due to concerns over the further spread of Coronavirus and the well-being of our visitors, we regret to report that all Cadw unstaffed monuments and car parks will be closed from 5pm Monday 23 March until further notice. We do look forward to inviting people to once again enjoy these outstanding monuments as soon as we are able.

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.