St Tysoi, Llansoy

Llansoy lies in the area of rich farmland between the Usk and the Wye. Its attractive little church, built of red sandstone with a stone tiled roof, is the only known dedication to St Tysoi or Tissoi. 

The date of foundation is unknown, but Tysoi is believed to have been a pupil of St Dyfrig, first Bishop of Llandaff. After the Norman conquest, 'Llandesoe' is listed as being part of the Lordship of Usk, and a rector is recorded here in the 14th century. The current churchyard takes up half of the original oval monastic settlement or "llan".

Although the church has one doorway (between the tower and nave) of 13th/14th century date, most of the fabric dates 15th century, including the nave and the small chancel (both with original barrel-vaulted roofs). There was originally a rood screen and loft, the stairs to which can still be seen.  The low, crenellated tower is later, replacing a wooden belfry in the 17th Century. The church was restored sympathetically in the mid-19th century, and, with the exception of the 18th century altar-rails, the furnishings all date from this period. 

The interior is whitewashed, except for the words "This is the Gate of Heaven" painted above the chancel arch. One of the south nave windows has some brightly coloured late 20th Century glass, depicting the earth, moon and sun, above a rainbow with a dove: jolly or jarring, depending on your point of view!

The church is of particular interest to me, as it is one of the few where my forebears have identifiable graves: my Great-great-great grandmother Ann was one of the Jenkins family, who were farmers in the parish for over 150 years, and a number of their extensive family (including her parents) are buried here. Ann had 14 siblings, some of whom never married and remained working the farm throughout the 19th Century. Her father, the redoubtably named Hercules, was churchwarden here.

The church is now part of the Monmouthshire Ministry Area, with a Holy Communion on the second Sunday and a lay-led service on the fourth.

St Tysoi, Church Lane, Llansoy, NP15 1EX