Home Information Chester Attractions

St Giles' Church, Wrexham

Sep 28 2009 By Chester Chronicle

Documentary evidence exists of a church on the current site as early as the 11th century, although the building in its present form is probably the third church to be built on the site, and dates back to the late 15th and early 16th centuries. The construction of the tower, which is 135 feet high, was completed in 1506, but the decorations and embellishments were probably not completed until 1518.

The church is dedicated to the patron saint of St Giles, although it may have been dedicated formerly to the Celtic saint Silin or Silyn.

The church boasts a connection with Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, USA and the impressive church may look familiar to many American visitors, for an exact replica is found on the grounds of the university.

Elihu Yale was a member of the Plas yn lal family from near Bryn Eglwys, and he was one of the benefactors who helped found Yale University. His grave is just outside the church and the epitaph (composed by himself!) reads:

The church lies just outside the original Wrexham Town boundary which was typical of churches dedicated to the patron saint of lepers.

The Davies brothers (from Bersham) made the iron rood screen and churchyard gate. The brothers also made the gates at Erddig, Chirk Castle and St. Chad’s church in Hanmer.

Contact: 01978 292015

Opening times: Daily 10.00am – 4.00pm.

Keep up to date with the news. Sign up for News Alerts

Have your say on the latest news and sport in our Forums

Site Tools

Related Stories

Related Tags

(What's this)