St Mary's Church Chirk - Britain All Over Travel Guide

St. Mary’s Church, Chirk, Wales

Chirk is a village in Wrexham, Wales, just across the border with England. It is known for the impressive Chirk Castle. The main church of the village is St. Mary’s Church.

The church tower and entrance gate

History

Dating the church is difficult though it is believed the south aisle is built upon Norman foundations from the 11th century when a motte & bailey fort was built nearby. It is believed to have been built on top of an older Welsh hermitage and chapel dedicated to the 7th century Celtic Saint Tysilio.

The north aisle was constructed later and the tower, built onto the north aisle, dates from 1475. Sometime around this time, the church was rededicated from St. Tsylio to St. Mary.

The interior of the church

In the interior are many carved memorials to members of the Myddelton family who were the owners of the nearby Chirk Castle. There are numerous stained glass windows including a rather bold, modern one.

There is a small guidebook giving details of the interior and graveyard to look out for as well as historical personages connected with the church.

Traditional stained glass window

Access – Getting There

Church Street, Chirk
Wrexham LL14 5HD

Tel: 01691 778 519
www: stmaryschirk.org.uk (for details on services)

Chirk Station is on the Shrewsbury to Chester Line. From Chester Station, the journey time is about 30 minutes. The Arriva 2/A bus from Wrexham to Oswestry also stops near the station.

By car Chirk is about 7 miles south of Wrexham, 5 miles from Llangollen, and 8 miles north of Oswestry.