St Jerome, Llangwm Uchaf, Monmouthshire

In a sylvan setting in a small valley at the end of a long, winding lane off the B4325.

St Jerome's church is no longer in regular use and is cared for by the Friends of Friendless Churches. Norman origins are known, although little evidence now remains due to heavy but necessary Victorian restoration. The 15th century tower is in an unusual position on the North side of the chancel and has a polygonal stair turret, which makes it look strangely familiar to a Man of Kent. The nave and South porch were heavily restored by J. P. Seddon between 1863-9, Ewan Christian similarly working on the chancel in 1869. 

The spectacular rood screen and loft dating from around 1500 which dominates the interior is the principal reason for seeking out St Jerome's. The screen was sensitively restored by Seddon between 1876-8. He also designed the magnificent floor tiling of 1866, made in Lugwardine by William Godwin with additional coloured patterns by Maw and Company.

The magnificent rood screen and loft of 1500, lit by an original 16th century window.

A stair within the tower gave access to the rood loft. The pulpit and lectern are by Seddon, dating from 1869.

There are three foliate heads within the church. Writing in the Folklore Journal in 1939, Lady Raglan described them as 'Green Men', resulting in hundreds of similar examples throughout England and Wales being misdescribed.

A section of the tiled pavement, designed by Seddon and made by Godwin of Lugwardine

Lady Raglan's 'Green Man' 

During the Seddon 'restoration' of the church a large piece of damaged early sculpture was found embedded in the nave walls. Its purpose and date have given rise to much discussion with a majority of minds suggesting that it is a pillar piscina of late 11th or early 12th century date.

Fragmentary Romanesque pillar piscina, found at 1860s restoration

The East window is an Annunciation scene, the window was designed by Seddon in 1877, the cartoon was by H.A. Kennedy and the window was made by the obscure S. Balham & Co. Strong Pre-Raphaelite or Morris & Co influence is unmistakable.

East window Annunciation designed by J.P. Seddon, showing the profound influence that Morris & Co had on Victorian design in the late 1870s

The sturdy font was also designed by J.P. Seddon

The church is now owned and maintained by the Friends of Friendless Churches, although the churchyard remains in use. The church is normally open daily and further information can be found at : https://friendsoffriendlesschurches.org.uk/church/st-jeromes-llangwm-uchaf-monmouthshire/. 

Special note should be taken of the advice in the Directions regarding Satnavs, which will take the unwary to the wrong church.