St Michael

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Brief description of the church today

The church dates from the 12th century, however apart from the tower it was rebuilt in 1853 with the addition of a side aisle. Between 1889-94 the top of the tower was altered, a clock added, the peal of five bells recast and the interior of the church extensively renovated.

Today Clyro church is still at the centre of this small village and the much more widespread country area it serves. It seeks to minister to them as Kilvert did over one hundred years ago.

Clyro parish has two churches, the other being the chapel of ease at Bettws.

Clyro church.

Francis Kilvert

Life in mid Victorian times at Clyro has been captured for prosperity in the diary kept by Francis Kilvert, curate of Clyro 1865 to 1872. 

Francis Kilvert is famous for keeping a diary. He was born on 3rd December 1840, and died on Sept. 23rd 1879 age 38. For part of his ministry he was the assistant, or curate, of Rev. Richard Venables who was the vicar of Clyro. He lived in Clyro in a house called Ashbrook, which is now the Kilvert Gallery.

He wrote his diary in small note books. The most interesting parts were printed, unfortunately the rest of the diary was then destroyed, probably by his wife. Only three note books survived, and are now in the National Library of Wales at Aberyswtyth.

Kilverts father was Rev. Robert Kilvert, rector of Hardenhuish, near Chippenham in Wiltshire. Kilvert was educated privately and graduated at Wadham College, Oxford, before being ordained.

On the 20th August 1879 Kilvert married Elizabeth Anne Rowland of Wotton by Woodstock in Oxfordshire, returning to Bredwardine in Herefordshire on 13th September, ten days latter he died of peritontis.

During the last ten years of his life Kilvert had kept the diary which was published by Jonathan Cape in 1938 to 1940. 

A Kilvert Society was formed in 1948. For further details of Kilvert, and the society which seeks to foster an interest in Kilvert and the countryside he loved, see the Kilvert page which is being developed by the children of Clyro School. Clyro School's page on Kilvert.  

You can also look at the 'Kilvert throught the Year', a flower festival held in Clyro in 1999.

References above are links to the Church and School web sites.

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The nave of St Michael's Church, looking east.

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The nave of St Michael's Church, looking west.

 

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A recessed area within the pews of the north aisle - capable of being used by singers?

 

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The commemorative memorial to Francis Kilvert, and his photograph, mounted on the wall of the aisle.

 

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Reflections through one of the stained glass windows.

 

Dove's reference for the bells

Clyro, Powys, Wales, St Michael (GF), 5, 11cwt in G. 

For details of the use of the bells see and the site for The Swansea & Brecon Diocesan Guild of Bellringers.

ACCESS

Map reference : SO  213438

St. Michael's Church is in the centre of the village of Clyro on the main A483 road.
Click here to see a location map

 

 

 

Photographs: © 2002  Edwin Macadam

 

 

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This site has been constructed by, and remains the copyright of, its authors,
Edwin and Sheila Macadam,

Shelwin, 30, Eynsham Road, Botley,
Oxford OX2 9BP
© July 2001 -