Welcome to St. Stephens Church Llanstephan

St. Stephens Church
Llanstephan

History of the Church

S ince the earliest days of Christianity holy men and women have found inspiration in silence and in the contemplation of the beauty of creation. They have sought out isolated spots in which to pray and the ruins of many fine abbeys and monasteries bear witness to the frequent beauty of their chosen locations. In Wales the Celtic tradition lead hermits to retreat from the world. Those who were attracted by their holiness would gather around them in a small community or Llan. Many such places exist across Wales as a glance at the place names of the Principality will show but many have lost their particular beauty as progress marches on. In Llanstephan we are privilege to possess one site which can have changed very little since a holy man recognised its particular quality of numinesance. He found here an isolated spot to retreat to but one which offered contact with the wider world through its views of the River Wye, the busy road that has wound its way through the heart of Wales for centuries and is now the A470, and the distant of the Black Mountains. Here by the spring which still flows, he lived and prayed. He is known to us now only through his name which lives on in the dedication of the Church. Not St. Stephan or Steffan but, so sources tells us, Ystyffan. Worshippers and visitors over the centuries have appreciated and valued the spot he chose and found in it the same depths of beauty as he saw,the same feeling of the presence of God in the all His creative wonder. The Church that grew up on the site of Ystyffan's cell is a testament to those who followed him and and sought to worship God in those surroundings. It fits so perfectly into its surroundings that you would be forgiven for failing to notice it as you flash past on the road opposite. Yet in its simplicity it is beautiful. Never grand or pretentious it reflects the hard working Radnor men and women who came to worship here. The nave is 13th Century with the chancel added to it in the 14th century.

The south wall retains some 15th Century windows, and with a 17th Century waggon roof (at present unceiled) we can see how our predecessors adapted the church to meet their needs.

In the 18th century the Lynchgate, with a gate for people and another for carts was adapted to meet the needs of the parson and a stable was added for his horse whilst he took the service!

Early History of the Church

Nineteenth Century Onwards

Restoration Work Required

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