St Giles' Church, Wrexham

St Giles' Church in Wrexham, Wales, stands as a testament to the rich ecclesiastical heritage of the region. This iconic structure, celebrated as one of the finest examples of ecclesiastical architecture in Wales, is a Grade I listed building. Described by Sir Simon Jenkins as 'the glory of the Marches' and by W. D. Caröe as a “glorious masterpiece,” St Giles' Church is a must-visit for anyone interested in history, architecture, and culture.

The History of St Giles' Church

The origins of St Giles' Church can be traced back to at least 800 years of continuous Christian worship. The main body of the current church was constructed at the end of the 15th century and the beginning of the 16th century. It is widely regarded as one of the greatest medieval buildings still standing in Wales. The church is named after Saint Giles, also known as 'Silin', a Celtic saint who is believed to have founded a chapel in the area. The earliest reference to the church dates back to 1220 when the Bishop of St Asaph granted the monks of Valle Crucis in Llangollen half of the church's income.

The church has undergone several reconstructions over the centuries. In 1330, the original tower was destroyed by severe gales, leading to the construction of a new church in the decorated style. A fire in 1457 or 1463 gutted the church, prompting the construction of the current building, which incorporated some features of the 14th-century church, such as the octagonal pillars. The magnificent ornamentation of the church is rich in dynastic Tudor symbolism and was likely financed by Lady Margaret Beaufort, the mother of King Henry VII.

Exploring St Giles' Church

The richly decorated five-stage tower, standing at 135 feet high, is one of the most striking features of St Giles' Church. Begun in 1506 and attributed to William Hart of Bristol, the tower contains 30 niches and is adorned with numerous statues and carvings, including those of an arrow and a deer, the attributes of Saint Giles. The tower is thought to have inspired the design of the Victoria Tower at the Palace of Westminster.

Inside the church, visitors are greeted by the nave arcade in the Decorated style, dating from the 14th century. The remainder of the church is in the late Perpendicular style and includes an unusual polygonal chancel, similar to that at Holywell, Flintshire. The chancel arch features large parts of an early 16th-century Doom painting, and the arch beneath shows evidence of the tracery that once filled it. The interior of the church is adorned with notable carvings and statuary dating from the 14th century, and the 16th-century camberbeam wooden roof is decorated with polychrome angels playing musical instruments.

Monuments and Artworks

St Giles' Church is home to numerous significant monuments and artworks. The church contains an elaborate sculptured memorial by Roubiliac and one of the oldest brass eagle lecterns in Britain, presented to the church in 1524. The north aisle features windows by the studio of Burne-Jones, while the south aisle contains a series of windows by Charles Eamer Kempe and C.E. Kempe and Co. The lyrics of the Evangelical hymn From Greenland's Icy Mountains, written by Reginald Heber, are etched on a window. The hymn was both composed and first performed at the church in 1819.

One of the most intriguing features of the church is a medieval effigy found buried in the churchyard at the beginning of the 19th century. The effigy depicts a Welsh knight, bare-headed with long hair, holding a shield emblazoned with a lion rampant and the words 'HIC JACET KENEVERIKE AP HOVEL' ('Here lies Cyneurig ap Hywel').

The Tomb of Elihu Yale

Just west of the tower lies the grave of Elihu Yale, the benefactor of Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. The tomb was restored in 1968 by members of Yale University to mark the 250th anniversary of the benefaction. It is inscribed with a self-composed epitaph, beginning with the following lines:

Born in America, in Europe bred, In Africa travell'd and in Asia wed, Where long he liv'd and thriv'd; at London dead.

Folklore and Legends

St Giles' Church is steeped in local legend and folklore. One such legend suggests that work on the church originally commenced at Brynyffynon but was mysteriously destroyed each night, leading to the belief that the church should be built on the nearby hill of Bryn y Grôg. Another legend claims that the church tower was blown down in 1330 as divine punishment for the town's market being held on a Sunday, resulting in market day being moved to Thursday. The tower collapsed on St Catherine's day, and a statue of St Catherine appears on the east wall of the tower, possibly as a form of protection.

In conclusion, St Giles' Church is not just a place of worship but a treasure trove of history, art, and folklore. Its magnificent architecture, rich history, and intriguing legends make it an unmissable attraction for anyone visiting Wrexham. Whether you are a history enthusiast, an art lover, or simply a curious traveler, St Giles' Church offers a unique and enriching experience that will leave you captivated and inspired.