Ancient refuge

The tiny church of St Beuno’s lies on the coast of the Llyn Peninsula, in the village of Pistyll. St Beuno was a 7th century Welsh abbot and saint who became an earnest missionary throughout North Wales and is said to have raised seven people from the dead. This single-chambered church was largely built in the 15th century, though the site was a resting place for pilgrims on their way to Bardsey Island from the 6th century. Inside is an 11th century font bearing an interlocking Anglo-Scandinavian chain design. On the north wall, a painting of two figures can be made out, one of which is presumed to be St Christopher. On the same wall is a leper’s squint, a window through which lepers in the Middle Ages could view the services. Though few ceremonies now take place, at Christmas, the floor is scattered with rushes and herbs and Mass is held by candlelight.