A medieval church on Anglesey, St Tyfrydog's, which closed in 2020 due to dwindling congregations, has been saved from decay by a local community effort. The church, parts of which date from around 1400, had been left to the elements, with ivy creeping over graves and up its stone walls. However, former warden Tom Bown, 87, and his family have spearheaded a campaign to restore the building.
The church's last service was held on 22 November 2020, attended by a decent turnout but reflecting a long-term decline in attendance—often just five or six people. Tom Bown, who had been a member of the congregation his entire life, accepted the closure pragmatically, saying, 'You can't carry on if people aren't going.' His wife Jane, 78, noted that losing the key to the church was what upset him most.
Now, with the key back in his possession, Tom has been able to enter the church again. The rescue effort highlights a broader issue: according to the National Churches Trust, about 38,500 churches, chapels, and meeting houses exist in the UK, with half listed. A survey found one in 20 churches may not be used for worship within five years, particularly in poorer towns and rural areas.
Sir Philip Rutnam, chair of the National Churches Trust, explained that church closures are often driven by expensive repairs, with local congregations bearing the cost. In rural areas, about 900 churches are at risk of closure by 2030. St Tyfrydog's, however, has been saved by the dedication of its local community, ensuring this historic building remains a part of Anglesey's heritage.
