St Cathen's Church

Heritage listing

Reason for designation: Listed grade II* as a substantial medieval church with a major early C19 interior remodelling, and featuring the fine Jacobean memorial to Bishop Rudd. History: A C13 church enlarged in the C14 by the addition of transepts, of which the S transept is now incorporated into the S aisle. The W tower is later, probably of the C15 or C16. Further additions were probably made in the early C17 after Bishop Rudd of St Davids purchased nearby Aberglasney and became patron of the living. This entailed the addition of a S aisle and a S chancel chapel, in which the Rudd memorial was built. Major restoration took place in 1813-15 and is recorded on a board in the base of the tower. This included the present nave and chancel arcades and roofs. In 1868 further restoration took place, including the repair of the N transept and the installation of benches and the present font. Further restoration followed in 1899 by Stephen Williams, architect of Rhayader. Williams rebuilt the chancel and replaced the 1813 chancel arch. He also renewed most of the nave and aisle windows. Exterior: A Tudor-Gothic style church comprising nave with S aisle, lower chancel with S chapel (also known as the Aberglasney Chapel), W tower, S porch and N transept (also known as the Cadfan Chapel). Of rubble stone with freestone dressings and slate roof. The lower S porch has an elliptical arch with continuous roll moulding, and a doorway to the S aisle with a 4-centred arch, also with continuous roll moulding, and double boarded doors with strap hinges. To its R are three 3-light square-headed windows with sunk spandrels and hood moulds, renewed in 1899. An original but similar window is in the W wall. Attached to the wall between the centre and R-hand of the S windows is a memorial stone t

From Cadw under OGL v3.