Listed Churches in Wrexham County Borough

Introduction

What is Listing?

Berse Drelincourt Church, Broughton

Knolton Mission Church, Overton

Church of St Mary, Esclusham, Bersham

Church of St Mary, Minera

Church of St Hilary, Erbistock

Church of St James, Rhosddu

Church of St John, Rhosymedre

Church of St John Evangelist, Rhosllannerchrugog

Church of St Mary's Whitewell, Bronington

Church of St Thomas, Penycae

Introduction

The arrival of Christianity to the British Isles initiated the beginnings of Church construction, which would develop in massive and magnificent structures. The early monastic churches built without any mortar and dry stone rubble lead us on to the development of design and engineering skills so evident in the Gothic churches of the 13th Century and 16th Century. Architectural design and building materials range from a variety of different construction periods to 20th Century churches built with corrugated iron. There are many interesting and varied listed churches located within the Wrexham County Borough Council Area, some of which are featured in this exhibition.

In villages and towns the parish church along with other buildings can claim to be the oldest and most fascinating to view. Many churches have fine fittings as well as being works of art. All the churches shown here are varied, with a description giving architectural history, and where appropriate the architect along with supportive visual material.

What is Listing?

Listed buildings are classified in three grades to show their relative importance:

• Grade 1 - Buildings of exceptional, usually national interest.
• Grade II* - Particularly important buildings of more than special interest.
• Grade II - Buildings of special interest, which warrant every effort being made to preserve them.

Churches were previously listed A, B, and ungraded rather than I, II* and II. Some are still listed under this old system whilst awaiting CADW re-survey.

Since 1994 some denominations have set up their own internal control procedure for Listed Building Consent called 'Ecclesiastical Exemption' where the church deals with alterations and extensions rather than the Local Planning Authority. The denominations are The Church of England, The Church of Wales, The Roman Catholic Church, The Methodist Church, The Baptist Union of Wales and The United Reform Church. Most if not all have their own Conservation Officers but do consult the Council's Conservation Officer for comment. Denominations not listed above are dealt with under normal Listed Building Consent procedures.

Before a listed building can be altered, extended, or demolished, it is almost certainly necessary to obtain Listed Building Consent. It is an offence to alter, extend or demolish (even in part) a listed building without such consent. It is always advisable to seek advice from your Local Planning Authority before undertaking any works.

Berse Drelincourt Church, Broughton >>

Grade I Listed Buildings

Parish Church of St Giles

Exhibition index