The area

On the flanks of Cader Idris

The Old Rectory is perched on the foothills of Cader Idris - the nearest way up this imposing mountain is from the Mynfford Arms Hotel - parking in the Snowdonia National Park car park on the left before the road junction of the A487.

Steeped in legend

The Old Rectory has been standing on Tal-y-Llyn for just over a century. Yr hen Reithordy - as it is known in Welsh - was originally the home to the vicar who looked after St Mary's opposite.

St Mary's Church - Tal-y-Llyn

The church at Tal-y-Llyn is one of the oldest in Wales - a stone plaque originally states it was founded in the 9th century but historians say it must have been built in the 6th or 7th century at the latest - or even earlier!

It was originally called Llanfair-bryn-muallt but now sadly remains closed to visitors. We at The Old Rectory feel that our building has an emotional attachment to this wonderful chapel and are trying to get this amazing and mystical building open again for visitors.

The wooden roof structure is incredible and made from the heart of Welsh oak.

There are some intricate painted panels above the altar which some experts suggest could have been done in the 5th century. There are twelve faces representing the twelve Apostles.

One interesting grave in the churchyard is that of Jenny Jones who died in 1884 at the age of 94. Mrs Jones gained notoriety by going with her husband to the Battle of Waterloo where she acted as nurse. Regarded as a 'Florence Nightingale' figure by many she was on the battle field for three days tending the injured Royal Welsh Fusiliers.