St Maethlu, Llanfaethlu

From its hill-top vantage point on the edge of the village, the Grade II* listed church of St Maethlu offers views over the Irish Sea and also the estate of Carreglwyd, the Georgian country house with which it shares historic links.

Little detail is recorded about the life of Maethlu, who is said to have established a hermitage within a mile or so of the present church. Also known as Amaethlu, he is listed as born c.520, the son of Caradoc Freichfras (‘Strong Arm’) ap Ynyr, one of the Knights of the Round Table and King of Gwent in south Wales. His title – ‘Maethlu the Confessor’ – indicates someone of noted spiritual stature, perhaps exercising a particular ministry of offering forgiveness of sins to those making their confession.

Much of the original medieval church building remains, including the 15th century porch with its stone benches and a couple of windows on the south side of the nave. The church also holds many memorials to the Griffiths family of Carreglwyd, including a magnificent box pew with elaborate carving incorporating the family crest and Latin motto. The connection between church and house can be traced back to 1544 when the rector, William Griffiths, purchased a local house, Ty’n y Pant, for £700. His grandson (Dr William Griffiths, Chancellor of St Asaph Cathedral) built the present Carreglwyd on this site in 1634.

This information also appears on ExploreChurches, the website of the National Churches Trust.