Old Church of St Afran, St Ieuan and St Sannan, Llantrisant

The Old Church of St Afran, St Ieuan and St Sannan is a stone building with a continuous nave, chancel, and a south chapel extension covered by a modern slate roof. A stone gabled bellcote sits atop the structure in the traditional Welsh style.

This building first appears in records from 1254 in the Norwich Valuation as Ecclesia de Llansann and contains architectural elements added during the 14th and 17th centuries. The structure reflects changes made over several hundred years of use.

The interior shows 18th-century box pews and two Baroque monuments from the 1660s that reflect local craftsmanship and the wealth of families in the area. These works remain as testaments to the skilled stonemasons and artisans who worked here.

Access is via a public footpath from the road, and visitors should be mindful of the surrounding farmland and private properties in the area. Comfortable walking shoes are helpful since the path can be uneven in places.

Inside is a 12th-century font that was brought from a medieval church in Buckinghamshire when that building became a residence. This piece creates an unexpected connection between two distant churches separated by centuries of use and transformation.

Location: Tref Alaw

Inception: 14 century

Elevation above the sea: 27.6 m

Website: http://friendsoffriendlesschurches.org.uk/CMSMS/index.php?page=llantrisant

GPS coordinates: 53.32770,-4.47980

Latest update: December 14, 2025 12:22