THE GRAVEYARD
The round churchyard is surrounded by a stone wall, which incorporates the old pound. The shape of the churchyard indicates its antiquity, as it was believed that a round enclosure would make it more difficult for the devil to get in. The old pound (or ‘Ffald’ in Welsh) was used for holding stray stock which were only released to the owner on payment of a fine.
There are several ancient yew trees, the one opposite the Church door being at least 200 years old. The Celts thought the yew represented immortality and was the abode of spirits. It gives shelter to worshippers and, being poisonous, farmers were deterred from letting their stock trespass in the churchyard. On each side of the Lych Gate are Holm, or evergreen oak trees (Quercus ilex), which are not native, and are believed to be 60 to 80 years old, possibly introduced by the Puxley family. They lose their leaves in spring and grow new ones in June. Other trees include Horse Chestnut, Common Lime and Box.
A new graveyard has been consecrated behind the Church as there is no more room in the old one.
HEADSTONES
Iolo Morgannwg was a mason by trade and after his visit to Llanddarog in 1796 commented that 'The churchyard has many excellent black marble, found in the neighbourhood'. The oldest visible headstone is that of John Arthur 1765. It faces west, unlike most which face east. Arthur is an old Welsh surname and appears frequently in Llanddarog records. It means a brave person.
SEARCH OUR DATABASE
Parishioners have been busy identifying each grave. The Churchyard survey has now been completed, so if you would like to find a particular relative or friend who may have been buried in the Churchyard, you can search here. Each plot is identified by a code. The location can then be identified on this map.
Surname:
Address:
Date of Birth:
Age:
Rankin
First Name:
Lamington Lanarks
Related to:
23/06/1889
37
Date of Death:
Location Code:
Victor A.
Rev R. Rankin
20/08/1926
JH03
Surname:
Address:
Date of Birth:
Age:
Puxley
First Name:
Related to:
25/03/1882
88
Date of Death:
Location Code:
Zoe Hylda Lavallin
Herbert B Lavallin Puxley
26/03/1970
JH73
Surname:
Address:
Date of Birth:
Age:
Puxley
First Name:
Lletherllestry Llanddarog
Related to:
13
Date of Death:
Location Code:
Sarah Jane
John Puxley
08/05/1809
CH04
Surname:
Address:
Date of Birth:
Age:
Puxley
First Name:
Lletherllyesty Cwmisfael
Related to:
54
Date of Death:
Location Code:
Sarah
John Lavallin Puxley
08/12/1831
CH06
Surname:
Address:
Date of Birth:
Age:
Puxley
First Name:
Newton Park Conwyl Elvet
Related to:
61
Date of Death:
Location Code:
Rachel
John Lavallin Puxley
10/07/1876
BQ067