St Stephen's Church

St Stephen’s is a Church of England parish church in Old Radnor, Powys, standing on the site of a 6th-century building. It was rebuilt in the 15th century in the perpendicular Gothic style and is now a Grade I listed structure. The church contains a pre-Norman baptismal font that may date from the 8th century. A large 15th-century window shows Saint Catherine, and the walls carry symbols of King Edward IV. The rood screen and choir stalls from the 16th century are finely carved. The church’s organ is among the oldest in the British Isles, with a 16th-century case and possible 15th-century origins. It may have been played by John Bull, who later became organist at Hereford and Antwerp Cathedrals. The organ was restored in 1872 by F. H. Sutton, who added new pipes and linenfold panels. The church also holds evidence of its medieval past in the form of embattled parapets and chantry altars. The Grade I listing recognises its exceptional architectural and historical interest. Visitors find a spacious nave under a Tudor roof of rose-carved beams. The 15th-century font stands near the entrance, its worn sides still bearing ancient tooling. The organ case, richly panelled, dominates the north aisle. Outside, the churchyard holds war graves from the two world wars. The surrounding village of Old Radnor adds quiet lanes and farmland views. The building’s plain exterior gives little hint of the treasures within.