The Churchyard
St Canna’s Churchyard
There are two historically important crosses in the churchyard – the oldest, outside the West wall is 9th century.
It is a Celtic Wheel Cross with a round head and a carved representation of the crucifixion. It is Grade 1 listed.
The large Churchyard Cross adjacent to the main path is medieval -thought to be 15th Century. It is built of limestone, has four steps, a polygonal shaft with carved tabernacle head.
The crosshead carries carvings of the Crucifixion on the west face and a Pieta on the east face. It is complete and so is exceptionally rare which merits its Scheduled Ancient Monument listing.
In the porch there are fragments of an ancient cross found in the rectory garden and a fragment of a further cross is embedded in the north wall of the church.
Also above the door is a terracotta statue which may be of St Canna
During the restoration of the Old Schoolroom some work had to be carried out at the rear of the church where there were no visible graves. This was supervised by archaeologists who uncovered many skeletal remains, one found to be buried face downwards possibly depicting a sinner. There is an unconfirmed possibility that one lady who had a piece of pottery in her hand might have lived in Roman times. Roman remains have been found near Llangan School which is a short distance away.
This whole area has been landscaped and has benches where it is a pleasure to sit quietly and admire the view of the vale of Nant Canna with St Mary Church on the hill opposite.
