St Mary's Church, Bronllys, Breconshire
Dedication: St MaryDenomination: Anglican Rebuilt: 1867 Notes: 1. The church of St Mary at Bronllys, 12km to the north-east of Brecon, has a medieval structure, perhaps 14th century, at its core but was considerably reconstructed during the 19th century. It is unusual for its detached bell-tower. Internally, the church retains its original font and a 16th century rood screen, but otherwise has been largely Victorianised. The churchyard is rectangular but could contain the fossilised outline of a curvilinear predecessor. [Extracted from the website of Clwyd-Powys Archaeological Trust (CPAT), where the full text is available] 2. A medieval fabric, rebuilt in 1867 by Nicholson & Sons, consisting of nave, chancel and 16th century timber S porch and detached tower of uncertain date. George G. Pace renovated and beautified the church in 1969 by whitewashing the whole interior, providing a new hanging Rood, moving the heavy 16th century screen to form a vestry at the W end and other changes, all of which show what can be done to make a really attractive setting for worship. The original pulpit of c1700 and 12th or 13th century font were retained in the earlier restoration. [Extracted from A Guide to Welsh Parish Churches, by R. W. Soden, Gomer Press, Llandysul, Dyfed, 1984; ISBN 0-863383-082-X] 3. The church was mostly rebuilt in 1887, leaving only the 12th or 13th century font with four corner projections, the narrow chancel arch, and the 16th century timber-framed porch and the rood screen, the latter now moved moved to the west end. The pulpit of c1700 has been brought here from the church at Llandyfaelog Tre'r Graig. The unusual detached tower set north of the chancel east wall is 18th or 19th century. [Extracted from The Old Parish Churches of Mid Wales, by Mike Salter, Folly Publications, Malvern, Worcestershire, 2003; ISBN 1-871731-62-3] Photography: John Ball Date: 22 September 2009 Camera: Nikon D50 digital SLR 
[Source: Information board in lychgate entrance to churchyard] 
The Church, dedicated to Saint Mary, is a very indifferent edifice, not ceiled and the windows small; it is remarkable that the steeple, which is detached from the church, is also, contrary to general custom, at the east end. It contains five bells. How or when the separation took place, or which is the most ancient building, we are not informed either by history or tradition; both appear to be of ancient date, although there is neither monument or inscription earlier than the seventeenth century. [The History of Brecknockshire, by Theophilus Jones (1805/1809), Glanusk Edition (Vol 3), Blissett, Davies & Co., Brecon, 1911] 
The Church underwent restoration in 1889-90, at a cost of £1200. The building has been well restored, but does not at this time present that orderly appearance within or without which is desirable in a place of public worship. [The History of Brecknockshire, by Theophilus Jones (1805/1809), Glanusk Edition (Vol 3), Blissett, Davies & Co., Brecon, 1911] 
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