Workshop 1: Monuments Within Churches – The Biographies of the Past
To be held in Llangollen Church start at 10.00am prompt, light refreshments available. Monday 10th March
Objective:
To explore the significance of funerary monuments in churches, focusing on medieval examples, their historical context, material evidence, and scholarly interpretations.
Lesson Plan
| Module | Objective | Activities | Time |
| 1. Introduction to Funerary Monuments | Overview of medieval funerary monuments and their contexts. | Lecture and visual presentation of early and later medieval monument styles. | 60 mins |
| 2. Material and Artistic Evidence | Examine materials, styles, and symbolism in funerary art. | Group analysis of images and handouts on monument materials (e.g., stone, brass) and motifs. | 45 mins |
| 3. Biographical Analysis | Understand monuments as biographical records of individuals and families. | Study case examples, discuss notable inscriptions, and identify biographical data. | 60 mins |
| 4. Antiquarian Records and Preservation | Discuss historical changes in monuments’ placement, conservation, and documentation. | Explore antiquarian drawings and photographs; compare with current monument states. | 45 mins |
| 5. Academic Perspectives and Debates | Introduce academic debates on attitudes toward church monuments over time. | Facilitated discussion on changing interpretations and academic views; Q&A session. | 60 mins |
Eglwys Sant Collen, Regent Street, Llangollen, Denbighshire, Wales. LL20 8PL
Session 2
To be held in St Bride’s Church, Carrog, Denbighshire, Wales LL21 9AS – prompt start at 10.00am, light refreshments available. Monday 17th March
Workshop 2: Extant Early Medieval Churches in Denbighshire
Objective:
To explore the architectural and historical significance of early medieval churches in Denbighshire, with a focus on structural features, archaeological evidence, and preservation.
Lesson Plan
| Module | Objective | Activities | Time |
| 1. Introduction to Early Medieval Churches | Overview of early medieval church architecture and functions. | Brief lecture on distinctive features (e.g., round towers) and architectural styles. | 60 mins |
| 2. Key Features of Denbighshire Churches | Study architectural and decorative elements unique to Denbighshire churches. | Interactive analysis of photographs and diagrams; compare with other Welsh examples. | 45 mins |
| 3. Archaeological Evidence and Artifacts | Examine excavated artefacts and their implications for understanding religious practices. | Hands-on activity with replicas or images of artefacts, discussing their functions and meaning. | 60 mins |
| 4. Case Studies of Local Churches | Detailed look at specific early medieval churches within Denbighshire (e.g., St. Dyfnog’s Church). | Review case study profiles with visuals, maps, and participant Q&A. | 60 mins |
| 5. Conservation Challenges and Community Role | Discuss conservation issues and the role of local communities in preservation. | Group discussion on preservation strategies and CADVAS’s role; brainstorm ideas. | 60 mins |
Llan Sant Frydd (st Bride’s) Church, Carrog All Saints medieval Curch, Llangar, Corwen
Session 3: To be held in Llandrillo Church – start at 10.00am, light refreshments available. Monday 31st March – please note date change- postponed from 24th to 31st March
Workshop 3: Pilgrimage and Pilgrim Churches in Medieval and Modern Denbighshire
Objective:
To examine medieval pilgrimage traditions in Denbighshire, exploring motivations, routes, and the evolution of pilgrimage from a modern perspective.
Lesson Plan
| Module | Objective | Activities | Time |
| 1. Concepts and Motivations of Medieval Pilgrimage | Introduce pilgrimage as a religious and social practice in medieval Wales. | Lecture on the significance of pilgrimage, discussing reasons and common routes. | 60 mins |
| 2. Pilgrim Churches of Denbighshire | Study notable pilgrim churches and their architectural and historical features. | Examine photos and maps of sites like St. Winefride’s Well; analyse evidence of pilgrimage. | 45 mins |
| 3. Medieval vs. Modern Pilgrimage | Compare medieval pilgrimage motivations with modern heritage tourism and spiritual pilgrimage. | Group discussion on changing motivations and community impact; discuss case studies. | 60 mins |
| 4. Preservation of Pilgrimage Sites | Discuss the challenges of conserving pilgrimage sites in Denbighshire and Wales. | Review preservation case studies, discuss CADVAS’s role in protecting these sites. | 40 mins |
| 5. Wrap-Up Discussion and Reflection | Reflect on the enduring significance of pilgrimage and discuss takeaways from the workshop. | Participant reflections on modern pilgrimage’s impact on heritage sites. | 60 mins |
St. Trillo’s Church (15th Century) with its yew trees and circular churchyard was probably built on a much earlier foundation.
Session 4: Field Trip to Denbighshire Churches
Objective:
To provide participants with a direct exploration of key Denbighshire churches, observing the architectural, biographical, and pilgrimage-related elements discussed in the workshops.
Field Trip Itinerary
| Module | Objective | Activities | Time |
| 1. Visit to St. Dyfnog’s Church, Llanrhaeadr | Observe early medieval features and unique architectural details. | Guided exploration of architectural elements, artefacts, and conservation efforts. | 45 mins |
| 2. Visit to St. Winefride’s Well, Holywell or Pennant Melangell | Explore one of the most notable pilgrimage sites in Wales. | Discuss the historical significance of pilgrimage; observe well structure and artefacts. | 60 mins |
| 3. Notable Church Monuments Tour | View notable funerary monuments within selected churches, noting stylistic and biographical details. | Group analysis of monuments with reflections on workshop discussions. | 60 mins |
| 4. Select Pilgrimage Routes (if possible) | Experience routes used historically by pilgrims in Denbighshire. | Short walk along portions of documented routes; discussion on site context. | 60 mins |
| 5. Reflection and Group Discussion | Conclude with reflections on key observations and personal insights. | Wrap-up discussion with participant takeaways and Q&A. | 30 mins |
These lesson plans are structured to provide a rich, interactive experience for participants, blending theoretical insights with practical, field-based learning.