Derwen Churchyard Cross
History, tourist information, and nearby accommodation
HERITAGE RATING:
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HERITAGE HIGHLIGHTS: A finely decorated bit of late medieval craftsmanship

In the overgrown churchyard of the tiny village of Derwen stands one of the finest medieval monuments in Wales; a late 15th or early 16th -century preaching cross. The cross stands on a two-tiered stone plinth and is composed of a decorated octagonal shaft topped by a square cross-head with Biblical scenes under canopies on each face. The cross stands almost 15 feet high and is highly decorated.
The shaft is decorated with raised carvings of foliage and crowned heads. The ornate cross head is missing its top but is still an impressive sight.
The south face depicts the Virgin and Child, the north face shows St Michael with a sword and scales for weighing souls. The east face, on the side nearest the church, shows the Coronation of the Virgin, and a Crucifixion scene is on the west face.
The overall effect is a combination of simplicity and wonderful medieval style, a testament to the skill of medieval craftsmen. Access to the Derwen cross is a bit dodgy; Derwen is located well up the steep-sided Clwyd valley, and the roads leading to the village can charitably be described as narrow and winding. But my goodness, what a view!
Please take the time to explore the church itself, a wonderful old building with a medieval rood screen.
Most photos are available for licensing, please contact Britain Express image library.
About Derwen Churchyard Cross
Address: Derwen,
Denbighshire,
Wales
Attraction Type: Historic Church
Location: On a minor road from B5105 or A494 south of Ruthin
Website: Derwen Churchyard Cross
Cadw
Location
map
OS: SJ070507
Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Opening Details: Open access site, usually accessible at any reasonable time
HERITAGE
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