St Andrew's Church

St Andrews Church in Presteigne dates back to the 9th century, with some Anglo-Saxon elements surviving through the Norman and Victorian restorations. The church was built in stone on the banks of the River Lugg in the 9th century, it is likely to have replaced an older timber church. During the Norman Invasion of Wales the church received a significant amount of damage, and the Normans incorporated the Saxon North aisle in their rebuilding efforts. Much of the church was enlarged and extended in the 14th and 15th centuries, presumably as the town of Presteigne developed. George Gilbert Scott, financed by Sir Richard Green-Price, undertook a comprehensive restoration of the church in 1868. The West gallery was removed; the original roof and timber belfry were repaired; the nave, chancel and sanctuary were rebuilt. The exterior of the church was brought in line with the Victorian Gothic Revival fashion. The church is virtually complete example of Gilbert Scotts work on rural churches, a consistent and coherent restoration retaining significant medieval fabric. At first glance, the interior appears rather plain. The Victorian pews have been removed in favour of more flexible seating arrangements, the screen and pulpit date from the Victorian restoration. Closer inspection shows a large but fairly indecipherable wall painting on the North arcade, above the two-remaining round, Norman columns. The real prize of St Andrews Church is the large Flemish tapestry in the North aisle. Gifted to the church in 1737, the tapestry dates from 1510 and depicts Jesus Triumphal Entry to Jerusalem. It was previously used as the altar cloth but now hangs safely framed. It is thought to be the only pre-Reformation tapestry on public display in a church in Britain. Interestingly, St Andrews is part of the Diocese of Hereford and the Church of England despite being located in Wales. A referendum was held in 1915 following the Welsh Church Act 1914 and two thirds of the congregation voted to remain Church of England.
Mar 10th, 2022

Really churchy church
Mar 21st, 2020

Mar 9th, 2020

Welcoming.........Amazing tapestry and home of the Presteigne festival.
Jan 26th, 2020

Dec 29th, 2019