St Martin's Church, Llanthony, United Kingdom

The Church of St Martin was begun in the 12th century, although most of the current structure dates from the 13th century. The church is most notable for its extreme tilt, caused as a result of a landslide. This has led to many attempts to strengthen the church and prevent its collapse, through the use of massive tie beams and buttresses.

The church is in the Gothic style, and has a chancel, nave, south porch, and western tower. A round-headed north window dates to the 12th century, and the nave roof has been dated to the late 13th or early 14th century.

In the nave of the church stands a stone cross, sometimes referred to as a wayside cross or crucifix, dated to the 11th or 12th century. In the Middle Ages the cross, which bears a rare carving of Christ on the cross, would have stood in the churchyard to be venerated by pilgrims travelling through the Black Mountains, via Llanthony Abbey, to St David's Cathedral in Pembrokeshire.

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User Reviews

Dom Hancock (10 months ago)
Not the easiest place to find or park but a lovely rickety old church which is all out of shape due to an old land slip

Georgina Lester (13 months ago)
A stunning experience that’s very atmospheric. I was disappointed that I couldn’t read more about the history and why it was so wonky!! You can get more information online - obviously - but as there’s no mobile reception there it would be useful to have something to read when there. I’m glad to see that they are using the graveyard as a wild flower haven with neatly mown areas in between. The location, views and landscape views are stunning. Well worth a visit.

Martin Edwards (3 years ago)
An absolutely fantastic and fascinating hidden away gem of a church. Not the easiest drive down some extremely narrow country lanes , not a great deal of carparking either. Its unique contorted look is due to a land slide which adds to the character of this 12 th century building. So it's listed in two separate ways.

Ryan Owen (4 years ago)
We visited The Church of St Martin by chance after spotting it on a drive to Hay on Wye via Llanthony. The church was begun in the 12th century, although most of the current structure dates from the 13th century. The church has an extreme tilt, the result of a landslide which gives it some character. Its built in a peaceful area and there's some nice walks in the area. A round-headed north window dates to the 12th century, and the nave roof has been dated to the late 13th or early 14th century. St Martin's is a grade 1 listed building and an active parish.

Nathan Stockill (4 years ago)
Beautiful location and fascinating history. 100% worth a visit.

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