History
Church of St. Decuman in Rhoscrowther was probably built in the 13th century, presumably in the place of an older, early Christian temple. In the fourteenth century it was significantly expanded. In 1852 and in the years 1869-1870 and in 1910, renovations were carried out, which fortunately did not interfere strongly with the historic substance of the building.
Architecture
In the 13th century, the church consisted of a rectangular nave (14 x 5.2 meters) and a narrower and shorter, rectangular chancel (6.8 x 3.8 meters). In the fourteenth century, atypically on the south side, a tower was added (6.1 x 5.8 meters). It received a tall, soaring silhouette, and a parapet with battlement mounted on protruding corbels. In addition to the tower, in the fourteenth century, a northern chapel, also known as the transept, and a southern chapel were added. The latter received dimensions similar to the chancel, it was erected on its southern side and covered with a separate gable roof. The chapel or the northern transept was connected with the chancel by a squint passage leading to the choir. On its west side there was a late-medieval porch built.
Current state
St. Decuman’s Church has preserved the layout from the late Middle Ages, although some architectural details were transformed in the Victorian period (windows, corner pinnacles of the tower). The entire roof truss was also replaced in the 19th century. Inside the porch is a 12th or 13th century baptismal font, originally from Pwllcrochan.
bibliography:
Salter M., The old parish churches of South-West Wales, Malvern 2003.
The Royal Commission on The Ancient and Historical Monuments and Constructions in Wales and Monmouthshire. An Inventory of the Ancient and Historical Monuments in Wales and Monmouthshire, VII County of Pembroke, London 1925.
Website britishlistedbuildings.co.uk, Church of St Decumanus A Grade I Listed Building in Rhoscrowther, Pembrokeshire.
Website coflein.gov.uk, St Decuman’s church, Rhoscrowther.