St Mary's Church

St Mary’s Church stands in Caerhun, a scattered settlement six and a half kilometres south of Conwy on the east bank of the River Conwy. It occupies the north-east corner of the remains of Canovium, the largest Roman fortification in the area, begun by Gnaeus Julius Agricola in AD 77. The church dates from the 13th century, with later additions in the 14th and 15th centuries. In 1851 the building was restored, and by the late 19th century the Caer Rhun estate had been redeveloped by Major-General G. H. Gough. The church remains an active parish church in the Diocese of Bangor. The church is a small, simple structure of local rubble under a slate roof, with a combined nave and chancel, a south chapel and a bellcote. It is a Grade I listed building, and the lychgate is Grade II listed. The surrounding parkland, once part of the Caer Rhun estate, is also listed for its historic interest. The church’s setting is the 19th century parkland of Caer Rhun Hall, which adds to the site’s layered history. Visitors find a quiet church set within the grassy remains of the Roman fort. The combined nave and chancel, south chapel and bellcote form a modest but harmonious whole. The lychgate marks the entrance to the churchyard, which is enclosed by the listed parkland. The church’s Grade I status reflects its architectural and historical importance. The wider landscape still shows traces of the Roman fort, while the 19th century parkland frames the scene.