Deanery of LlŶn & Eifionydd
St Engan, Llanengan
Map Reference
Nearest Town
Pwllheli
Items of Interest
'Cyff Engan' chest. Views of Bardsey Island.
In the middle ages, in conjunction with the Abbey of St. Mary on Bardsey Island, St. Engan was popular as a place of pilgrimage.
The structure is mainly of the late 15th and early 16th century. It has two parallel naves, each crossed by beautifully carved 16th century screens, with misericord or hinged seats. The tower is an addition dating from 1534.
In the church there is a chest known as 'Cyff Engan' which is dug out from a single baulk of timber, and bound. The lid has a large slot for coins, but the date is uncertain (possibly mediaeval).
Above the west doorway, in raised letters, is a Latin inscription recording the building of the tower '.... in honour of St Einion, King of Wales, Apostle of the Scots AD 1534.'