St Philip's Church, also known as Caerdeon Chapel, is situated off a steep lane, in a dramatically sloping churchyard. The church was built in 1862, in order to provide a place for English language worship, particularly the Oxford undergraduates who came to Caerdeon Hall (NPRN 308044) for Classics tuition. it was licenced as a private chapel for the use of owner of the Caerdeon estate, W E Jelf, and friends. Jelf was taken to the Court of Arches by the local incumbent, the Rector of Llanaber, who refused to conduct services in English. As a direct result, the Bishop of Bangor introduced a Bill into the House of Lords, legalising English services in Welsh speaking areas. This lead to the English Services in Wales Act 1863. The church is a Grade II* listed building and was designed by Jelf's brother-in-law, Rev John Lewis Petit (the only known building designed by him), a noted writer on continental architecture. The building is designed to reflect the general rusticity of upland Mediterranean areas, but also uses local building materials and traditions to blend into its North Wales landscape. The impressive bellcote is divided into four, and is of particular interest owing to a mechanism which enables all the bells to be rung from a wheel-operated single rope. An inscribed tablet, dated 1896, in memory of Jelf and Petit and his wife is located within the entrance logia. When private patronage ceased the church became subject to the Governing Body of the Churchin Wales.
Picture Ref: DS2010_663_001