Llanspyddid Church History

Extract from Sant Cattwg's Church. Llanspyddid. Historical Notes.

The dedication, location and morphology of the churchyard indicate that this is an early medieval foundation. As with so many churches in rural Powys little of its subsequent history and development is known.

The Church was restored in 1880 by C. Buckeridge when he re roofed and partially rebuilt the church giving it "a regular and boring interior" (Haslam) and a west bellcote. The specification for the work required existing masonary to be re-used and excavation beneath the floor to a dept of two feet, and until comparatively recently this was one of the few surviving churches in the old county of Breconshire with a completely stone tiled roof. In 1964, however, it was found necessary to replace the stone on the north side with artificial tiles and the south side of the roof was also replaced in 1983. There are three original windows, Crossley and Ridgeway in Arch Camb 1952 were of the opinion that the pulpit tester or sounding board, a notable feather of the interior was an adaptation of all that remained of the late 15th Century Rood Screen. This was restored in 1958.

Left - to the south of the church is an upright stone with two carvings of two circled crosses, one with four small circles placed around it. An inscription noted by Lhwyd in 1698 is no longer visible; standing 90cm high; 7thC-9thC. It is said to mark the grave of Aulach, father of Brychan. Dawson claimed that it was originally double its present height but was cut down at the time of the 1880 restoration.

Left - This is the Cross which once stood on top of the church bell cote, these two pieces have been found during our churchyard restoration, it is hoped that the third missing piece will eventually turn up.