LAYD CHURCH

Map Reference: D245289 (3245, 4289)



Layd Church is a rectangular building with a two-storey tower at the west end. The upper storey is fragmentary but there is a very fine vault above the ground floor. There are very good traces of wicker centering. There is a doorway in the south wall of the church and a square-headed doorway leads from the church to the tower. Above this is a rectangular opening.



This feature is repeated at the window above the doorway. There is some restoration work in progress. In the south wall of the church is a fragmentary piscina and the east window seem to have been small. The north and south walls project beyond the line of the east gable in the manner of antae. Just outside the tower is a fine 19th century cross. It is a good example of Celtic Revival work and features some good interlacing as well as picture panels.



Close to the entrance to the churchyard is a sandstone pillar with a round expanded top. This is perforated. This may be of great antiquity but has been re-used as a more recent memorial. There are some 18th century memorials near the church.