About this Churchyard
St Clement’s churchyard is in the centre of the town of Rhayader, in mid-Wales, Powys. The churchyard is of average size and is the resting place of at least several hundred persons. It is the traditional burial ground for the town. The churchyard is full and is not open to new burials although burials of cremated remains still take place.
The churchyard is home to the infamous ‘Giant’s Grave’ the mass grave thought to be of the garrison of Rhayader Castle killed by Llywelyn ap Iowerth who captured it in 1231.
A recent survey commissioned by CfGA described the churchyard as a ‘herb-rich grassland’ with 11 high quality species identified with 49 species in total. Species such as mouse-ear hawkweed, germander speedwell, ribwort plantain and common catsear are present throughout. Other nice acid grassland species are also present in small patches including heath speedwell and heath bedstraw. The policy of the church’s congregational meeting is to mow the grass bi-annually leaving several unmown patches to allow flowering and pollination. Caution is advised navigating the churchyard which includes large monuments, a gentle slope with drops.
The best time to visit is the spring and summer. The Gwastedyn trail links the seven churches of the Parish with a gorgeous walk around churches including the banks of the River Wye and the Elan Valley. Details are available online.
Key Features
- Wildflower areas
- Peaceful space for quiet reflection
- Memorials with famous or infamous connections
- Good accessibility
- Fascinating monuments
St Clement’s
Church Street
RHAYADER
LD6 5AU
Visitor Information
Contact Details
Priest-in-Charge: Revd Lance Sharpe
[email protected]
01597 811003
Opening Times
The Church building is locked except for a short time in the summer. However, the churchyard is open 24/7.
Accessibility
Some of the churchyard is level but there is slope to the south and the churchyard drops away to the western boundary. There is only one path from the main gate to the church doors and around the tower. Please take care.
There are benches next to the church.
Toilets
There are some very well-kept public toilets about 50 metres from the church in the car park opposite the Leisure Centre which is on the other side of the main road (A470). They are not accessible to wheelchair users due to steps.
Parking & Transport
Yes, there is a public car park opposite the Leisure Centre on the other side of the main road (A470). The Livestock Market car park is often open to the public and is free, please check the closing times as it is gated.
There are bus stops in Rhayader. The nearest train station with bus links is in Llandrindod Wells.
Bus timetable.
Café
The Old Swan Tea Rooms is a 3 minute walk from the church
