St Hilary

A church was first built here in the 6th century by Prince Maelgwn Gwynedd of Deganwy Castle and who is supposedly buried under the south door. In the year 1282 a small colony of Cistercian monks from Strata Florida settled in Eglwys Rhos and rebuilt the church, and the field opposite the church is still known as the Monastery Gardens.

As you approach the lychgate you will notice the mounting block, where the horses used by worshippers would be tethered to iron rings fixed to the wall. The lychgate or corpse gate was where the first part of the burial service was recited before proceeding to the church.

The yew tree walk up to to the main door, prepares you for the insight into the past, and as you enter though the door, you immediately enter tranquillity and the feeling of warmth, serenity and peacefulness which emanates from everywhere.

The plaques on the walls show the history of the families of the Wynne's, Mostyn's, Prendergast and Pugh families are interred, a veritable feast for historians. You will notice in a niche in the wall by the main door a large carved Roman British stone which was found between Bodafon and the Little Orme. The beautiful stained glass windows are all attributed to the Mostyn family and well worth taking time to enjoy their beauty as the sun streams through their precious colours. There is a collection of wooden items ranging from the old roof bosses of the original church roof, an intriguing carved chair by the high altar and a wood collecting plate which bears the date of 1770.

In the churchyard there are over 50 war graves and memorials and many notable people are interred in this peaceful cemetery, which now provides a relaxing space for nature. As you turn away from this little piece of history, and you might glimpse a flash of white, is it Prince Maelgwn Gwynedd hiding from the Yellow Lady or a Cistercian Monk going to compline at the end of the day, well, perhaps, that is another story for another time.