Discover Dyfnog’s church and holy well in picturesque Llanrhaeadr.
St Dyfnog’s story is a remarkable tale in an area of great natural beauty. In the 6th century he lived here, doing penance for his sins by standing under a waterfall in a hair shirt and iron chains. His actions gave the water healing powers and, in time, it fed a holy well which was visited by medieval pilgrims seeking a cure for diseases such as smallpox. In the 18th century bathing facilities were added to the well to cater for visitors keen to ‘take the waters’.
The church itself is a medieval double-naved building, entered through a timber porch. It contains an outstanding work of art, the stained glass ‘Tree of Jesse’ window, showing how Jesus Christ descends from Jesse, the father of King David. It may have been paid for by the donations of pilgrims but an inscription records it as the gift of a priest called Robert Jones. During the Civil War it was hidden in a large chest to guard it from destruction.
The church also features a north nave decorated with angels and a very fine hammer-beam roof. Don’t miss the golden ‘pelican’ near the Jesse window, which was copied in 1762 from the mythical bird in the window itself. The bird is feeding its young with its own blood, a symbol of Christ’s sacrifice for humankind.
Open every day - tours can be arranged
Located just off the A525 between Denbigh and Ruthin
Rhyl - 14 miles
Regular bus service
Full Figure Grid Reference: SJ0816763374