St Andrew's Church, Medieval parish church in Presteigne, Wales.
St Andrew's Church is a parish church in Presteigne with a substantial bell tower and a main nave flanked by side aisles, the northern one retaining Saxon elements from an earlier period. The southern aisle connects directly to the bell tower structure.
The building originated in the 9th century when Anglo-Saxons first constructed it, then Normans later rebuilt and reinforced it following Welsh attacks that had caused significant damage. This Norman reconstruction shaped the structure visitors see today.
The church displays a 1510 Flemish tapestry showing Jesus entering Jerusalem, one of only two medieval tapestries found in English parish churches. This textile is a rare example of religious craftsmanship that normally appears in much grander buildings.
The church is typically open on Sunday mornings when services take place and welcomes visitors during daylight hours. Plan a daytime visit to fully appreciate the interior details and the medieval tapestry on display.
In 1915 the parish made an unusual choice to remain part of the Church of England despite being in Wales, when many Welsh congregations were separating from English church structures. This decision reflected the community's distinct identity at that time.
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