Deanery of Arfon
St Aelhaearn, Llanaelhaearn
Map Reference
Nearest Town
Caernarfon / Pwllheli
Items of Interest
This ancient, cruciform church, located on an elevated site in the centre of the village. The nave is late 12th century, the north transept early 16th century with the south transept being added in 1622. The rather tall bell-cote dates from 1744 and contains one of Ashton's of Wigan bells bearing the inscription:
GRIFFITHS JONES. ROBERT PRICHARD. CHURCHWARDENS. 1749 LUKE. ASHTON. WIGAN. FECIT
In 1892 the chancel was lengthened and rebuilt along with a new vestry which reused some of the old timbers. The interesting rebuilt 14th century east window is of three equal lancets and consists entirely of local work. Built into the west wall of the north transept is a 6th century stone inscribed:
ALIORTVS ELMETIACO HIC IACIT
The rood screen, containing six tracery heads, dates from the 16th century.