“Real gem” in Llanrwst awarded more funding for its heritage plans

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St Grwst Church, Llanrwst. Picture by Al Williams LRPS

A church and adjoining chapel in Llanrwst, described as “a real gem”, have been awarded £10,000 in grant funding.

St Grwst’s Church, a grade 1 listed building and the adjoining Gwydir Chapel have received the funding from All Churches Trust, one of the UK’s largest grant-making trusts benefitting churches, charities and communities.  

The money will go towards an £885,000 project to place the site at the centre of community life, provide a unique and compelling tourist destination and a gathering place for worship and other activities at the heart of the town.  

St Grwst Church, Llanrwst. Picture by Al Williams LRPS

Olwen John, the project coordinator said: “We’re delighted to be awarded this funding from All Churches Trust.  It helps us reach our overall fund-raising target and will encourage us as we look ahead to the project beginning next Spring.  

“Both St Grwst and Gwydir Chapel date back to the 15th Century and contain historical items of national significance.  They attract visitors from all over the word and we want to ensure we provide basic facilities such as toilets and a kitchen so they can make the most of our heritage.”

The church and chapel overlook the River Conwy and are open every day for visitors and the local community.    The Grade 1 listing of St Grwst’s Church reflects the exceptional interest of the medieval fabric including the highly ornate Rood Screen.  

Gwydir Chapel built by Sir Richard Wynne contains significant items, some of national importance including the stone coffin of Llywelyn the Great, grandson of Owain Glyndwr, a stone effigy of Hywel Coetmor and six large memorial engraved brasses renowned to be amongst the finest in the country.

Community consultations took place earlier this year to shape the project and gather input from residents and heritage organisations.  

Olwen added: “There has been excellent support for this project so far, with the Heritage Lottery Fund awarding us 72% of the total cost.  We have secured a further £51,000 including this grant from All Churches Trust, and we are undertaking numerous fund-raising activities to meet the £90,000 shortfall.”

St Grwst Church in Llanrwst is in the Aberconwy Mission Area in the Diocese of St Asaph, one of six dioceses making up the Church in Wales.   Follow them on facebook StAsaphDiocese and twitter @stasaphdiocese