Anne Martel Effigy - Llanfihangel Rogiet - Wales. Great Britain. - Stone Church Artefacts on Waymarking.com

The Church of St Michael and All Angels, now looked after by the Friends of Friendless Churches. A redundant, medieval church in the hamlet of Llanfihangel Rogiet, South Wales.

There are several stone artefacts in this church including two tomb stone effigies in light relief, of the Martel's, Husband and Wife in the 13th century, discovered in the 1904 restoration of the church.

The church must be approached by foot as it and its cemetery are all part of a working farmyard. There is parking for few cars near the farm entrance, and its just a short walk through the farmyard to the church.
The Friends of Friendless Churches charity, rescued the abandoned church from years of decay, and restored the redundant church to its former glory.
Management of the building has passed to the Caldicot and District Local History Society. Hence the small white info cards posted on all the church artefacts.
The occasional Church in Wales service is still held within the church, and St Michael and All Angels is still dedicated to the Bishop of the Dioceses of Monmouth.

Early history: From Wikipedia, the free encyclopaedia:
"Most of the fabric of the church dates back to the 13th century, and the chancel was extended in the following century. The church was restored by the architect Henry Prothero of Cheltenham in 1904, the work being paid for by Lord Tredegar. The work carried out included rebuilding the north aisle. In doing this, two medieval effigies were found, one being that of Anne Martel, and the other possibly of her husband, John. Also at this time a squint between the aisle and the chancel was revealed.

The interior is limewashed, the floor is stone-flagged, and it contains stone benches. In the north wall are the remnants of steps that formerly led to loft of the rood screen. The square font dates from the 12th century. The effigies are both in shallow relief. In the chancel is the probable effigy of John Martel, who is dressed in chain mail with a sword and a shield; in the north aisle is the effigy of Anne Martel, dated 1270, with her arms crossed in prayer and her feet resting on a lapdog. text source: (visit link)

Info below from Friends of Friendless Churches Web site:
"This is our newest vesting in the Southern half of Wales. It lies within that section of Greater Newport defined by the intersection of the M4 and the M48 but the immediate setting is very rural. The approach is through a working farm which we do ask visitors to treat with respect.
The church building is mostly medieval but with a north aisle of 1904. There are two rather battered medieval effigies inside said to be of the Martels." text source: (visit link)

Approximate Age of Artefact: 1270 Relevant Website: [Web Link]

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