St Tudclud
Penmachno, Clwyd
This church closed in 1997 but a community effort resulted in the church reopening in 2009.
Hafan Ifan’s vision is embodied in it’s name, and translates to ‘a haven in Ysbyty Ifan’. The church was originally St John’s, which tells more about our rich history as the knights of St John set up a hospice here in the village. In Welsh Ysbyty is the word for hospital and Ifan is the name for John. It’s all in the name.
Venture to visit us and you can learn about our fantastic history.
Did you know where St John Ambulance Association started? The birth of the Order of St John dates back to 1048. Come see our dedicated stained glass window and we can explain the background.
We are a thriving Welsh community situated at the start of the river Conwy, a very quiet and beautiful location.
Within the church you will see three exceptionally fine, though mutilated, alabaster effigies from around 1530. These are thought to be of Rhys Faw ap Meredith (standard bearer under Henry Tudor at Bosworth in 1485), his wife Lowri and Robert ap Rhys, their son, who died in 1534. The latter was chaplain to Cardinal Wolsey and is presumed to have commissioned his parents commemorative effigies together with his own during his lifetime (and judging by their quality, from London).
We have an octagonal font on moulded base with octagonal pedestal and marble bowl. The medieval octagonal font bowl lies on the floor adjacent.
There is a wall monument to the Gethin family, consisting of a very rare recessed brass tablet set within a curious architectural frame in three stages. Polychromed engraved heraldic arms with inscribed name of Maurice Gethin ap Robert Gethin ap Robert Gethin. who died in 1598; primitive engraved portraits of family, together with motto: 'LIVE TOO DY AND DY TO LIVE"" below.
We look forward to welcoming you soon.