Graveyard trail reveals stories of a community
A church in Llantysilio near Llangollen has opened a trail around its graveyard to tell the stories of those buried in the grounds.
St Tysilio Church, close to Horseshoe Falls, the start of the Pontcysyllte and Canal World Heritage Site, has cut paths around the graveyard, forming a route that ‘visits’ the graves of nine varied people or families from different backgrounds. Their stories were researched by David Crane and volunteers from the Llangollen Museum and are published in full-colour leaflets, available in both Welsh and English, within the church.
In addition, all the graveyard records have been digitised and a map produced of all the marked graves. Accompanying this will be the three newly published books that list, with photographs, all of the graves in the records. There is one book for each of the three distinct areas of the graveyard. This will aid family descendants and visitors to locate the resting places of their forebears.
The church has worked with Caring for God’s Acre (CfGA), Llangollen Museum, Denbighshire County Council Countryside Services and the AONB Sustainable Development Fund to create the project.
One of the churchwarden at St Tysilio, John Gambles, said, “The church of St Tysilio in Llantysilio has warmly welcomed visitors to the peace within its walls for many years. Visitors’ comments show that they find great peace and tranquillity within the church building, and many come there regularly to pray. It is clear too that the graveyards hold a fascination for visitors who show a keen interest in both natural and historical features, and the grassland has been managed as haven for flowers, insects, birds and small mammals for over 30 years. This work was enhanced by developing a project plan for ‘Welcoming People and Nature’ funded by the AONB Sustainable Development Fund. The Project looked at how visitors might learn more about rural life and the economic and social history of the area as well as the wonderful natural history of the area.”
Folding display boards are being created for the church which will contain explanations and interpretative information of the churchyard. A people’s history book will contain memories of people who live, or have lived, in Llantysilio.
David Crane, of Thomas Crane Associates, Llangollen Museum, and Ros Stockdale of Denbighshire County Council Countryside Services were key partners in the project. David Crane said, “This programme has been a fascinating opportunity to bring the heritage of Llantysilio into focus. So many stories and memories, that would otherwise have been lost, have been recorded for enjoyment by future generations. Whilst the buildings of a place form an important backdrop, it is the tales and recollections of the people living in those buildings that help to bring the history of an area alive. All of those people of Llantysilio who have contributed to this programme have had the opportunity to become a part of that recorded history.”
Our churches tell the stories of our communities. They are places which belong to us all
Ros Stockdale added, “The Clwydian Range and Dee Valley National Landscape are pleased to be involved in this project, which is located so near to one of our busiest sites – the Horseshoe Falls, start of the Pontcysyllte and Canal World Heritage Site. The project has improved the experience that visitors to the church have, by encouraging them to explore the natural and historic graveyards and to learn about local figures from the past. We have welcomed the opportunities it has provided for local people to learn and share historic stories and look forward to seeing the finished book (of memories), as it will be an excellent resource for years to come.”
A Church in Wales spokesperson described the project as inspirational, saying “Our churches tell the stories of our communities. For generations, people have gathered there at the most important times in their lives, whether in joy or in sorrow. They are places which belong to us all.
“This inspirational project in St Tysilio’s Church is a wonderful way for those stories to be discovered and celebrated. It also provides an opportunity for people to explore the unique natural habitat of the graveyard. We are indebted to all who have created the trail, especially to our volunteers who devote so much of their time and talents to this remarkable place.”