St Beuno's Church is dedicated to St. Beuno, one of the most important Welsh saints. St. Beuno was awarded the township of Clynnog Fawr from the King of Gwynedd and founded his church in the early 7th Century. The site developed into a monastery of some importance and Welsh law manuscripts say that the Abbot of Clynnog was entitled to a seat at the court of the king of Gwynedd.
The present church mostly dates from the late 15th-early 16th Centuries. The west tower and detached chapel of St Beuno are probably early 16th Century. Foundations of earlier buildings, including the original chapel of St. Beuno, have been discovered beneath and near the present chapel. It is likely that it is the site of the 7th Century monastery. A barrel-vaulted passageway in the current church leads to the 16th Century chapel that is believed to have been built on St. Beuno's cell. A stone known as Beuno's Stone has markings reputed to be those of the saint's fingers and has been dated to the 8th Century. Outside in the churchyard there is a sundial dated as early as the late 10th Century.
The church was burnt by both the Vikings and later the Normans. In medieval times the church was an important stopping place for pilgrims heading for Bardsey Island, located south on the Llyn Peninsula.
Not far from the church is St. Beuno’s Well, the waters of which are said to have notable ability to cure all sorts of ailments.
About St. Beuno's Church and Well
Wales Directory: St Beuno's Church
Journey to St. Beuno's Church and Well
St. Beuno's Church is located off the A499 in the village of Clynnog Fawr located on the Llyn Peninsula in Gwynedd in the northwest of Wales. St. Beuno's Well is located nearby.
Megalithic Portal: Church of Saint Beuno
Megalithic Portal: Beuno's Well
New Advent Catholic Encyclopedia: St. Beuno
Ordnance Survey Map (SH414497)
Visitors information for St. Beuno's Church and Well may be found at the geograph.org.uk website. General tourist information for the area may be found at the Go North Wales website.
Additional Photos of St. Beuno's Church and Well
Welcome Sign, St. Beuno's Church
Plan of St. Beuno's Church
Exterior of Chancel, St. Beuno's Church, Site of Early 7th Century Church and Monastery
Exterior of Nave and South Transept, St. Beuno's Church
Exterior of Passageway Leading to the 16th Century St. Beuno's Chapel, St. Beuno's Church
St. Beuno's Chapel (left) and West Tower, St. Beuno's Church
St. Beuno's Chapel, St. Beuno's Church
Main Entrance to St. Beuno's Church
Front Door, St. Beuno's Church
Chancel and Main Altar Viewed from the Nave, St. Beuno's Church
Windows, St. Beuno's Church
Ceiling, St. Beuno's Church
Banner, St. Beuno's Church
Banner, St. Beuno's Church
Sign for Arch-Stone Covering St. Beuno's Tomb, St. Beuno's Church
Arch-Stone Covering St. Beuno's Tomb, St. Beuno's Church
Door, St. Beuno's Church
Sundial in Churchyeard, St. Beuno's Church
St. Beuno's Church from the Nearby Bachwen Dolmen