Llancillo Church in 1886

Historical outline

Llancillo is the site of an estate, Lann Sulbio - podum Lann Suluiu, which was granted to bishop Ufulfyw by King Meurig. Wendy Davies  considers it likely that Meurig is Meurig ap Tewdrig, thus dating it to the early 7^th century.  The saint here is St Tyssilio who had another church in modern Herefordshire at Sellack, possibly one at Titley, and was the leading saint of Powys.

After the Norman Conquest, the Welsh territory to the east of the Black Mountains was occupied by Walter de Lacy who had been authorised to take and hold what he could.  This area, which includes the parish of Llancillo, thereafter became known as Ewyas Lacy.

Although Llancillo does not appear in Domesday, Henry de Ferieres, one of the smaller Herefordshire tenants-in-chief, held three churches in Cutestorn Hundred within the jurisdiction of Ewyas Harold castle. Roger (probably Roger de Lacy, son of Walter) held these under him.  One of these is very likely to be Llancillo, as this church, together with Rowlstone and neighbouring Walterstone, was later given to Llanthony Abbey by the de Lacys.

Roger de Lacy himself held the territory which comprised the parishes of Llancillo and Rowlstone. This was held under him by two Normans named William and Osbern, one of whom, or their successors, would have been responsible for the construction of the castle at Llancillo.

The tithe apportionment records 'Llancillow Hall Farm' as being owned and occupied by James Gilbert Price. It is interesting to note the spelling ‘Llancillow’ on the tithe apportionment, ‘Llansillo’ on the tithe map, and the modern day spelling ‘Llancillo’.

The former Welsh parishes in this area were transferred from the diocese of St David’s to that of Hereford in 1852.

Archaeological background

Llancillo is the location of an important group of monuments. The earliest known habitation site is the Iron Age hill fort of Walterstone Camp. There is also a Roman villa site at Coed-y-grafel where considerable vestiges of tessellated Roman pavement were found.

Llancillo Hall itself is listed building and recorded on the Herefordshire Sites and Monuments Record (6196). 600 metres to the north-east of Llancillo Hall, a group of monuments form a classic manor house and church site. A motte with the remains of a shell keep is sited just to the east of the parish church of St Peter's.  The chancel of the church is dated to the 11^th or 12^th centuries.  A 14^th century cross stands in the churchyard. To the east of the motte is Llancillo Court, dating to the 17^th century.

A forge existed on the tributary of the Monnow here from about 1645 to beginning of the 19^th century. At various periods during its existence it was in possession of the Foleys of Stoke Edith. A large mound of slag & clinker was discovered on the site, together with a weathered stone building that might have been part of the forge, or alternatively a pair of workers cottages. There is little evidence for the forge itself on the ground.