Position of Rectory at Tal-y-llyn marked
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The Old Rectory has been standing on Tal-y-Llyn for just over a century, having been built in the late 1800s. Yr hen Reithordy - as it is known in Welsh - was originally the home to the vicar who looked after St Mary's opposite.
The church at Tal-y-Llyn is one of the oldest in Wales - a stone plaque originally states it was founded in the 9th century but historians say it must have been built in the 6th or 7th century at the latest.
It was originally called Llanfair-bryn-muallt but now remains closed to visitors. The wooden roof structure is incredible and made from the heart of Welsh oak. There are some intricate painted panels above the altar which some experts suggest could have been done in the 5th century. There are twelve faces representing the twelve Apostles.
A Rev Robert J Edwards age 54 is cited in the 1901 census as the clergyman living in the Rectory. He would be too old to have been the incumbant in 1914 when Cissy Ann was employed there.
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The church was up for sale in October 2007 for £40,000. Descriped by the agents as a Grade II* Former Parish Church of Mediaeval Construction retaining several early features to include painted vault ceiling. Talyllyn is a rural area which is renowned for its natural beauty and breathtaking scenery. The nearby Talyllyn Lake, which the Church overlooks, is an all year attraction to anglers and tourists alike. The glacial valley of Talyllyn is renowned for the steep slopes and narrow valley bottom which opens out to the west forming a tributary to the Dysynni Valley. The property occupies an elevated location on the right hand side of the B4405 road when travelling from Tywyn towards Talyllyn Lake. The property is built of traditional solid stone construction with pitched slated roof. The detached former Church only is offered for sale. The Church yard is to be retained by the Representative Body. A right of access through the surrounding graveyard will be granted. The Grade II* listed property is steeped in history with the mediaeval construction one of the main features for listing the property. The painted vaulted ceiling is also a highly attractive feature, as are the exposed wooden beams.
The graves of Evan Pugh b1828and Jane Pugh (nee Thomas) b1832 and the grave of their Grandson John Evans Pugh are all enclosed with low iron railings to the east of the church approximatly 7 rows away from the eastern boundary.
Here they are in the original and with a translation into English:
Er serchus goffadwriaeth am JANE PUGH Brohyfryd Mawddach Crescent Arthog, gynt o Lanfihangel y Pennant, yr hon a hunodd yn yr Iesu Medi 21in 1911 yn 76 oed.
Twr cadarn yw enw'r ARGLWYDD; ato y rhed y cyfiawn ac y mae yn ddiogel. Diar XVIII:10
In loving memory of Jane Pugh Brohyfryd Mawddach Crescent Arthog, formerly of Llanfihangel y Pennant, who died in Jesus September 21st 1911, aged 76 years.
The name of the LORD is a strong tower: the righteous runneth into it, and is safe. Proverbs 18:10
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Ni ddychwel mwy i'w dy a'i le nid edwyn ef mwy
Er cof serchus am EVAN PUGH, Peniarth Arms, Llanfihangel y Pennant, bu farw Hydref 22ain 1885, yn 58 mlwydd oed.
Evan Pugh, heb ofni poen - neu ddu siom Heddyw sydd mewn gorhoen; Mawl a rydd, yn nheml yr oen I'w Hedd-Aberth, yn ddihoen.
He shall return no more to his house; neither shall his place know him any more. (Bible quote from Job 7:10)
In loving of EVAN PUGH, Peniarth Arms, Llanfihangel y Pennant, who died October 22nd 1885, aged 58 years.
Evan Pugh, without fearing pain or black disappointment Today is in glory He will give praise in the Lamb's Temple To His great sacrifice, without suffering pain.
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Er serchus ac annwyl gof am JOHN EVANS PUGH, annwyl fab MARY ANN ac annwyl wyr EVAN a JANE PUGH Penniarth Arms, Llanfihangel y Pennant, yr hwn a hunnodd yn yr Iesu Medi 23in 1907 yn Nhreorci, Deheudir Cymru yn 23 mlwydd oed.
Y peth a fu o'r blaen, sydd yr awr hon; a'r peth sydd ar ddyfod a fu o'r blaen: Duw ei hun a ofyn y peth a aeth heibio
"Duw, cariad yw ei Enw ef, Addawodd ini deyrnas nef; Addysgodd f'enaid hedof fry - Mae yn ei fynwes le i mi.
In loving and dear memory of JOHN EVAN PUGH, the dear son of MARY ANN and dear grandson of Evan and Jane Pugh, of Peniarth Arms Llanfihangel y Pennant who died in Jesus September 23rd 1907 at Treorchy, South Wales aged 23 years.
That which hath been is now; and that which is to be hath already been; and God requireth that which is past. (Bible quote from Ecclesiastes 3:15)
God, Love is His very name He promised us the Kingdom of Heaven He taught my soul to fly up high In his bosom there is room for me
Pugh and Thomas family graves at Talyllyn