This Tombstone Is Older Than America | St Peter's | LLanbedr

Llanbedr Dyffryn Clwyd first enters written record with the Norwich Taxation of 1254, and the church referred to is likely the worn red sandstone ruins of the western end of the building, dated to the early 13th century. The later limestone eastern end of the church is probably a 14th or early 15th century extension to the single celled building. The walls have been much reduced, probably as a result of a report of 1896 which voiced safety concerns. The western end, however, retains its original height, with the 19th century bell cote largely intact. The font, probably contemporary to its foundation in the 13th century, is in the chapel of ease at nearby Berth. The graveyard has a number of 17th century burials, including those of Margaret Lloyd (1616) and Robert ap Thomas of Llanbedr 1677.

The Old Church was abandoned in stages over a period of forty years or so. The churchyard was becoming full and was closed by an Act of Parliament in 1859 to all but the spouses of those already buried. The new owner of Llanbedr Hall, John Jesse had become determined to build a new church for the community after witnessing the distressing sight of the disinterring of previous remains at a funeral at around this time. Rather than give up more land about the old church, he resolved to build what is today the stunning new church of St Peter’s a little way down the hill. The site was not deconsecrated until 1991. John Jesse himself was buried in the old church in 1863.