Cash boost for St. Brynach's

A much-loved Pembrokeshire church is to share in a £507,000 funding payout from the National Churches Trust.

A £15,000 National Churches Trust Cornerstone Grant will help fund repairs to the tower at the Grade II* listed St Brynach church, Nevern, making the church watertight and preserving its historic fabric.

The project will include essential repairs to the Norman tower of this historic church. All the floors are being replaced, including the ground floor. Water is getting in from the roof and a failing temporary membrane around the parapet which, if left, will lead to further deterioration.

The wooden bell frame is also being replaced by a steel frame and a ring of 13 bells is being installed. The essential tower work is necessary before the bell installation can take place.

St Brynach's is a large parish church featuring a Norman tower, a long Nave and 14th century Cancel. There is a remarkable lofted south chapel. The west tower has a winding stair leading to a Priest's room in the roof. The church is home to the Vitialanus Stone with Ogham Script (an early medieval alphabet) dating from the 5th or 6th century. The churchyard boasts the Nevern Cross, an ancient Celtic cross, and “the bleeding yews” a line of ancient trees, some believed to be 700 years old.