St David's Church, Llanddewi Skirrid

A church has stood here since medieval times but the present building was largely built in the 19th century. Only the tower survives of the medieval church, the rest was demolished and rebuilt in 1879 by diocesan architect John Prichard for local landowner Crawshay Bailey, Junior. Bailey was a great benefactor to the church, and spent some £2000 on its restoration. Bailey laid the foundation stone, still visible in the east chancel wall. He had four new bells installed as well as a valuable pipe organ, said to be one of the finest in the area. Bailey died overseas in 1887 but was brought back to Llanddewi Skirrid to be buried, his grave marked by an ivy-clad cross. His daughters had the…