An ancient church with a Devil’s Door.
A church at Gwaenysgor was recorded as early as the 11th century in the Domesday Book. This place of worship may have had a Saxon foundation and certainly predated the Norman invasion. At some point after this, the church must have been rebuilt, as it was valued at twenty shillings in 1254 during the reign of Henry III.
The present church of St Mary Magdalene is a single chambered structure with medieval origins and sturdy limestone walls. There are many historic features to discover inside the church. The font dates to the 13th century and is said to be a replica of the one in Lincoln Cathedral. In 1931, restoration work by architect Harold Hughes removed a 19th century addition to the roof, which had concealed the impressive 15th century timbers. A 14th century doorway was uncovered during the 1931 renovations, almost opposite the church entrance. Known as the ‘Devil’s Door’, it is almost blocked up by a window but you should be able to see the hinges that remain.
The churchyard may have originally been a cemetery during the Roman period (1st to 4th century AD). Its curricular shape and the discovery of a small bronze horse figurine dating to the Roman period support this theory. If you take a walk around the churchyard you may be able to spot a sundial pillar from the 17th century along with several graves from the same period.
Sunday service at 10.00am
Located in the village centre
Prestatyn - 1.5 miles
Regular bus service
Key kept by Tom and Anne Roberts, telephone 01745 851405
Full Figure Grid Reference: SJ07518102