Clodock Church

Clodock church is dedicated to St Clydawg, King of Ewias, who was martyred about 500AD. The present building stands on the site of his tomb, beside the river Monnow and overlooked by the Black Mountains. It dates from the 12th century and is Grade 1 listed. When you visit the church, make sure you also stop in at the Cornewall Arms. This is the sort of pub rarely found - a real delight which has barely changed for a century or two.

From the outside, it is dominated by the West Tower, which has a ring of 6 bells, and the churchyard with 850 gravestones. Inside there is a magnificent three-decker pulpit, said to be one of the best examples in the country, dating from the mid 17th century. Of similar ages are the box pews and minstrels’ gallery, below which are stone tablets relating to Church Tithes. Traces of wall paintings can be seen and a particular treasure is the 15th-century painting of the Virgin Mary in a window splay near the pulpit. The oldest possession is a 9th-century tombstone. A notable burial in the new churchyard is that of Raymond Williams, a local author, and scholar who was well known for his work in adult education. A member of the Herefordshire Churches Tourism group, who has kindly provided this text. More information about Herefordshire's churches  www.visitherefordshirechurches.co.uk