Church of St Tudwen, Llandudwen

The Church of St Tudwen at Llandudwen in Gwynedd is remarkable for having been built around 1595. More remarkably, it is supposed to be on the site of the fifth century grave of one Tudwen, an aunt of Saint David, who came here to flee persecution and share the gospel with the pagans who dwelt in the vicinity. That her grave was respected and soon had a medieval church built upon it indicates that her mission was not a failure. Very little about the woman is known, though as David himself probably died between 589 and 601, the chances of having a fifth century aunt seem rather slim (though some place his birth as early as 462, so who knows?).

The building itself, despite boasting a thousand years’ worth of modernity compared to Tudwen’s age, still feels rather ancient and venerable. It is a reminder of the Gospel’s ancient heritage, both in these misty islands and further afield. It is neither new fangled nor novel, for saints ancient and modern have embraced it, preached it, lived it and died for it. Our land might be repaganising at rapid speed, but the ancient paths remain, the ancient promises are still honoured, the Ancient of Days still saves.

Tell ye, and bring them near; yea, let them take counsel together: who hath declared this from ancient time? who hath told it from that time? have not I the Lord? and there is no God else beside me; a just God and a Saviour; there is none beside me. Isaiah 45:21

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