Church of St Michael, Cwmdu

Heritage listing

Reason for designation: Listed Grade II* as a good example of a Perpendicular style church with an especially fine tower. History: A church was consecrated here c1060 together with churches at Partrishow and Llanbedr. The church was enlarged C15, of which the tower survives and is the earliest component of the surviving fabric. Early C19 the building was said to be in a poor condition and was mostly rebuilt, with the exception of the tower, 1831-33 largely due to the efforts of the incumbent Thomas Price (the antiquary and Welsh historian known by his bardic name Carnhuanawc). The church was rebuilt using the original stone, the architect said to be Pratt of Crickhowell. At this time a SE porch was added and the chancel was shortened. A buttress was also added to the original S wall into which an early medieval inscribed stone was set by Thomas Price. It was brought from a field about 1.69km SSW of church, although its original location is not known. Internally, the rood screen was taken down and parts were re-used to make a reredos. Further restoration was undertaken in 1907 by W.D. Caroe with Hunt & Baldwin when the N aisle was removed and the nave and S aisle were re-roofed. Exterior: Perpendicular style church consisting of nave with S aisle and SW and SE porches, short chancel and W tower. Rubble stone with bigger quoins, slate roof. The S aisle has diagonal buttresses and a large stepped buttress in centre. To L is a 3-light window and to R is a later Tudor-Gothic 5-light window with hood mould. The central buttress has a Celtic inscribed stone set into it, reading CATACUS HIC IACIT FILIUS TEGERNACUS (Here lies Cattoc son of Teyrnoc). At L end of S aisle is SW porch, the main entrance. The doorway has a 2-centre arch renewed 1830s on C15 jambs, with continuous mou

From Cadw under OGL v3.