The Friends of St. Mary's Church, Beddgelert

A BRIEF INTRODUCTION

A Celtic Christian community worshipped on this spot from perhaps as early as the seventh century. In the early 1200s they were renowned for their devotion and hospitality. Not long after this, along with the Celtic Christian communities at Bardsey and Penmon, it became a priory of Augustinian Canons. By 1230 the priory church of Valley St. Mary here at the foot of Snowdon had been rebuilt, probably with the Princes of Gwynedd as patrons. The name Beddgelert is recorded in 1268, possibly in memory of Celer, probable founder of the church. A chapter house, cloisters, dormitory and refectory would have stood just south of the church. There were major fires in 1283 and in the early 1400s, both periods of war and unrest. The priory also owned extensive lands in Gwynedd and Anglesey and cared for many other churches and chapels of ease.
In 1538 King Henry VIII dissolved the Priory along with religious houses across Britain. Since then St. Mary's has been the parish church for the large, mountainous area of Beddgelert; reaching from the top of Snowdon to sea level. The major 1830 'repairs' demolished the long north aisle and removed the carved oak screen, choir seats, roof timbers and the ancient coloured glass. In 1880 the north transept was built and the arcade restored. There was later work in 1921, 1929, 1941, 1966, 2000 and 2001.

A PLAN OF THE CHURCH

A SORT TOUR OF INTERESTING FEATURES

1. As you stand inside the door at the west end of the nave, notice the spacious yet simple thirteenth century design of the church. The north wall to your left may even belong to the twelfth century church of the Celtic community.
2. A 19th century window in the north wall replaces a medieval door. The 1968 glass depicts St. Mary and St. David. There was a matching door in the south wall, leading to the cloisters.
3. As you walk up the nave, notice the arcades on your left, built around 1230. These led into a north aisle running the whole length of the church until the 1830 alterations.
4. Continue to the chancel steps and look at the three high lancet windows built around 1230 using Anglesey gritstone, probably brought by sea to Aberglaslyn harbour. The stained glass depicts the Resurrection, Ascension, Transfiguration, Calling the Disciples, Crucifixion, Anointing, Annunciation, Nativity and Baptism of the Lord. It was given in 1882 in memory of James Wyatt of Bryn Gwynant, agent to Lord Penrhyn.
5. Carved dark oak forms the altar cross and altar table, with bunches of vines hanging from its upper edge. Below the cross note the Alpha and Omega monogram.
6. Note the pointed arch of the thirteenth century doorway in the north chancel wall, which once led to the Prior's cell, now the vestry.
7. Many thirteenth century windows and other features were removed in the 1830 'repairs' but this later medieval south chancel window still survives as a recess. The adjacent stained glass, given in 1920, depicts the Good Shepherd and the Light of the World.
8. The oak panelling to the sanctuary and chancel, the altar screen, choir stalls, desks and other furniture were given in 1921. The Parry crest, initials of family members and dates can be seen amongst the carved clusters of vines. Note the brass tablet on the chancel side of the screen.
9. Descend the steps and turn to see the detail of the finely carved oak chancel and rood screen. In each side panel of the chancel gate are two panels showing the symbols of the evangelists: Matthew (a winged man), Mark (a winged lion), Luke (a winged ox) and John (a winged eagle). Above the gate are two angels holding golden harps. On top of the screen the Lord sits on a throne, wearing a royal diadem and holding a sceptre, with angels on each side carrying thuribles. Above is the Rood where the Lord is depicted nailed to the cross wearing his robes and a crown of glory, with the Virgin Mary on the right and Saint John on the left.
10. The carved oak lectern is in the form of an eagle and was given in 1896. The pulpit is of pitch pine. There are several interesting tablets in the nave and chancel.
11. The north aisle was demolished in 1830. The north transept was rebuilt in 1880 and the Lady Chapel was refurbished in 1941.
12. Stained glass in an 1830's south window in the nave was given in 1938 and depicts (left) Sir Galahad and the Regimental Badge of the 'Queen Mary's Own', and (right) St. George and a wolf representing the family home, Castell Cidwm.
13. The font, just inside the west door, has two inscriptions added in the 1880s. The top one reads 'R.W. Vicar, W.E.P. Churchwarden, restored 1882' in an alphabet said to have been devised by the nineteenth century bard Iolo Morganwg. The lower inscription reads 'In the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen' and is said to have been devised by the supposed eighth century monk Nennius. The reproductions of Reuben's 'Descent from the Cross' were given in 1938 by the Priestley family, formerly patrons of this living.
14. Walk outside and look up at the bellcote with its new bell hung in 1938. Parts of a small west end medieval window can also be seen.
15. Walk around outside the church towards the Lady Chapel. Note the remains of a gritstone doorway base at the north west corner as you leave the path. This once led into the north aisle.
16. Other medieval gritstones can be seen in the nearby blocked door which once led up to a west gallery and in a window at the east end of the former medieval north aisle.
17. Near the yew tree the oldest surviving gravestone (1672) commemorates members of the Wynne family of Ty Isaf (Llewelyn Cottage) who bought adjacent priory lands around 1585. Their descendent, Mr. Walker Jones, gave land to extend the churchyard in 1850 and 1884.
18. Note the graves of a Snowdon guide, a drover and a Ffestiniog Railway engineer.

GENERAL INFORMATION

Jesus said

"Come unto Me and I will give you rest"

CHURCH SERVICES

The Church in Wales

Services every Sunday
Please check the notice board for details
See church porch for notices of other services, Bible study, prater meetings and fellowship etc.

Roman Catholic

Every Sunday and Holy Day 4.00 p.m. Mass in St. Mary's