St Michael's Church

St Michael's Church dates from the 15th century, and has a 12th-century font. It is a fine example of a substantial mediaeval double-nave church with important memorials. Opposite the church is Rudbaxton Rath, the remains of a prehistoric fortification whose origins are obscure.

The earliest record of a church on the site was made by Wizo, one-time lord of Wiston, in a grant to the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem in the 12th century. The church of St Michael was originally established prior to the fifteenth century, but the present building, built of rubble stone with slate roofing, retains some late-15th or early-16th century features.

The oak pulpit is 20th century. The font, rectangular and scalloped with a round base, is 12th century. The 1892 renovation added simple pine pews to the nave and chancel; the pews in the aisle are earlier, grained wood. Several windows have stained or coloured glass fitted in the 19th or 20th centuries.

There is a significant monument to the local Howard family, probably commissioned by Joanna, wife of the Reverend James Howard in 1685 and depicting several family members and described as one of the finest memorials in the county.

There are also numerous other 18th, 19th and 20th century monuments and memorials dating from 1665 to 1909 to local people from servant to architect to archbishop, this last being a brass plate to William Laud, who was rector from 1622 to 1626, during his time as Bishop of St Davids. There is a plaque remembering six parishioners who lost their lives during World War I.

Address
Rudbaxton, United Kingdom

Established
15th century