St. Michael's Bryngwyn is reputedly the third highest church in Wales situated as it is near the top of Bryngwyn hill, and on a cold January morning it is quite believable! It is largely 13th century, though partly rebuilt in 1874-77. (Note it is just St. Michael, and not the more usual, “and all angels.”) Inside is a stone coffin lid, carved with a cross, and the church also owns a chalice and service book, all possibly 13th century work.
In former days the men used to sit on the south side of the nave, the women on the north side remaining seated until all the men had received the sacrament. Near the south wall of the chancel is a freestanding pillar incised with a decorated cross, it is probably the oldest item in the church dated to the 7th to 9th century. The chancel roof was erected about 1500. In the west belfry there are two bells, one of about 1200. On the southeast outer angle of the chancel wall are two carved figures, male and female, date unknown. To the north of the churchyard can be seen the old Victorian rectory.
Our registers go back to 1614, further information on Genuki site.
The Painscastle Group.