13th Century church in Brecon Beacons, Powys has stone taken

Dyfed-Powys police have asked members of the public to help with their enquiries after stone was stolen from a chuch in Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) National Park.

The Police's Rural Crime team reported that 11 paving slabs were stolen from St. Ellyw's church at Llanelieu, near Talgarth.

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The church of St Ellyw dates from the 13th century and managed to escape Victorian modernization. As a result of this the build has managed to preserve many of its medieval features, making it highly unusual. 

Cadw have classed the church as a Grade I listed building because it is "an important country church that has retained much of its medieval interior, including wall paintings and an exceptional rood screen".

#OPHeritageCymru - Report of theft of 11 paving slabs from 13th century St. Ellyw's #church at Llanelieu which is located in @BannauB STB 09/09/23 - 13/09/23. Any information contact please the team.@cadwwales @friendschurches #heritagecrime pic.twitter.com/B3PkyfrY2s

— Rural Crime Team @ Dyfed-Powys Police (@DPPRural) September 20, 2023

The church is named after Saint Ellyw who was thought to be a granddaughter of King Brychan, the 5th-century king of Brycheiniog - from where the internationally famous national park derives its name.

The church is used locally for concerts and meetings, and it is a venue for the annual Talgarth Festival. 

Dyfed-Powys Police have said that the theft likely took place between September 9 and September 13. 

Anyone with any information are being asked to contact the Ruaral Crime Team via 101.