Indelible Figure of Doom stands test of time at ancient church
IT’S a tiny, isolated church in rural Wales, beautiful, and steeped in history, myth and legend.
Named after a sixth-century Christian hermit who was murdered by a traveller who’d been given shelter, St Issui’s is found in Patrishow in the eastern fringes of the Brecon Beacons.
One of these legends is a skeletal figure painted on the wall which keeps returning – despite being whitewashed over several times.
The painting, known as the Figure of Doom, shows the skeleton holding the traditional scythe and hourglass, with a spade hanging from its arm.
Signifying death, it is believed to be over 500 years old and was to help show the largely illiterate congregation that their days were short and should be used wisely. But it is believed there have been several attempts to whitewash over the image but it has kept coming back. This is not the only remarkable thing about the church.
There is also a beautiful rood screen which is carved out of Irish oak, as well as a chest carved out of a solid tree trunk with three locks that it is believed was used for protecting parish valuables.
According to Britain Express, the screen is dated to 1055 and has the inscription that translates as “Menhir made me in the time of Genillin”. Genillin may refer to the 11th-century heir of Rhys Coch, Prince of Powys, or to a seventh-century ruler of Powys named Cynddylan.
The site itself has been religiously significant for over a millenium.
The church itself is named after a sixth-century Christian hermit called Issui (or possibly Ishow) who lived on the site. He would draw water from a nearby well, which, legend has it, has healing powers. The well can still be found in the church grounds and is called Ffynnon Issui.
Unfortunately, it seems, the well didn’t bring Issui (now Saint Issui) himself much luck, as he was murdered by a traveller who had taken shelter in his cell.
Pilgrims would come to visit Issui’s grave, and in the 11th century one apparently left a sack of gold to pay for the church.
According to warden Rob Yorke, who regularly takes pictures of the church and its stunning scenery, it is open during the day and services are usually held on the first and third Sundays of the month.