St Anno's Church

St Anno’s Church stands beside the River Ithon at the edge of Llananno in Powys, Wales. Built in the 14th century, it was entirely rebuilt in 1876–77 by Liverpool architect David Walker. The church is small and simple, made of grey limestone with a modest porch and bell cote. It is now a redundant church, looked after by the Friends of Friendless Churches. The building is Grade II* listed, a high grade awarded for its exceptional rood screen. The rood screen is one of the great treasures of Welsh craftsmanship. Cadw calls it “the most richly decorated and one of the most complete in Wales.” Scourfield and Haslam describe it as among the best screen-work in Wales, part of the Newton school of Welsh carvers. The screen has ten arches with a central archway supporting a gallery. Above and below the parapet are 25 carved figures of Christ, Patriarchs, Kings and Prophets, 19th-century replacements. The beams are carved with fruit, foliage and serpents. Inside, the church is plain and uncluttered. The grey limestone walls and simple furnishings let the rood screen stand out. Outside, the River Ithon flows past the churchyard, adding to the quiet setting. The modest bell cote rises above the roof, marking the church’s presence in the village. The screen’s rich carving and the church’s quiet simplicity make it a place of quiet interest.