St Pabo's Church

St Pabo’s Church stands in the small village of Llanbabo on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales. Most of the building dates from the 12th century and still shows its original medieval structure. A 14th-century tombstone inside depicts a crowned king holding a sceptre and bears the name Pabo Post Prydain. Tradition claims this 5th-century prince founded the church, though written evidence only appears centuries later. The church remains part of the Church in Wales but holds services only occasionally. It is recognised as a Grade II* listed building because it has changed little since the Middle Ages. The church’s simple rectangular plan measures about 14 by 4.4 metres. The south wall still has a narrow 12th-century lancet window and a wider rectangular window from the late 14th or early 15th century. Chevron-carved stones and three worn stone heads from the 12th century frame the west doorway. Inside, medieval arched roof trusses support the early roof, and two 18th-century marble memorials line the walls. The plain 12th-century font and plain wooden pews added in 1911 complete the interior. Outside, the church sits beside a quiet road near Llyn Alaw reservoir. The bellcote at the west end holds an 18th-century bell, and a blocked 18th-century doorway on the north wall may once have served as a leper window. A carved stone known as the Llanbabo Devil, once set in the churchyard wall, now rests inside. The building’s unaltered medieval fabric and fine roof make it an important survivor of its period.