Denomination Church of England Former name(s) St Ystyffan's church Heritage designation Grade I Parish Old Radnor | Previous denomination Roman Catholic Status active Diocese Diocese of Hereford Designated as world heritage site 1993 | |
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St Stephen's Church is a Church of England parish church in Old Radnor, Powys, Wales. It was constructed in the 15th century on the site of a 6th-century church and has the oldest church organ in the United Kingdom. It is a grade I listed building.
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History
Prior to the construction of the current building, there was a church dedicated to Ystyffan, a member of the royal family of the Kingdom of Powys. Following the Norman conquest of Wales, the Normans incorrectly believed that Ystyffan was a Welsh reference to Saint Stephen and rededicated the church to the Protomartyr as he was a popular saint with the Normans. In the 1200s, the church was transferred to the Mortimer Family. In 1401 it was destroyed after being burned during the Glyndŵr Rising. Despite the fire, the 8th-century baptismal font survived. It was rebuilt shortly afterwards and the font reinstalled. The new church building was reconstructed with embrasures in the merlons on the parapet, which has led to suggestions that it was intended to be a fortified church. However, beyond the embrasure which was uncommonly used for decoration, there is nothing else on the building that suggested that it was fortified. When it was reconstructed alongside the high altar, there was room for five chantry altars, though one was later shut off to become the vestry. In 1993, the church was granted Grade I listed status.
In the 15th century, a new stained glass window was installed in the church featuring Saint Catherine. Also installed in the church at the time were symbols relating to King Edward IV of England including the White Rose of York and the Black Bull of the Duke of Clarence. In the 16th century, the church underwent renovations with tributes to the House of Tudor. New choir stalls were installed and a new roof was fitted over the nave with Tudor Roses. A new Welsh tracery was also installed during this time.
Organ
St Stephen's Church is reported to have the oldest organ in the British Isles, though Cadw states that it is not in its original form. The organ's case dates to the 16th century, and there are suggestions that it was installed before the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It has been suggested by historians that future composer and organist of several cathedrals, John Bull learned to play the organ on the one at St Stephen's Church. It was later restored in 1872 by F. H. Sutton, who installed new organ pipes and linenfold panels. Though it is not known why the organ was installed in the village church, it has been stated that its remote location was a contributing factor to its state of survival.
Referendum
In 1914, the Welsh Church Act 1914 was passed by the Parliament of the United Kingdom to disestablish the Church in Wales from the Church of England. Owing the enactment being delayed by the Suspensory Act 1914, seventeen parishes (including Old Radnor) were balloted by the Welsh Church Commissioners in a referendum as to whether they wanted remain part of the Church of England or join the Church in Wales. This was because their parish boundaries crossed the geographical borders between England and Wales. St Stephen's parishioners voted 344–99 to remain part of the Church of England despite the church being located in Wales. As a result of the decision in the referendum, St Stephen's Church remained a part of the Diocese of Hereford.