Not Very Des Res

St David's Church. Newtown, Powys.

A building that has been on my bucket list for over 10 years.  Today I had the chance to explore.

But I was sad to find it in a derelict state. Windows boarded up, graveyard overgrown and neglected. All doors locked and barred.

My research discovered the following...

It was built between 1843 and 1847. At a cost of just over four thousand pounds.

But from the outset there were problems with the building. Structural defects allowed serious damp to become a problem. Some repairs were made and alterations at a later date. But to no avail. After fifty nine years of service the church was closed for ever and put on the market. The estimate of half a million pounds for the required remedial work was too much and the church closed in 2006. The sale price was £150,000. But the burial ground and surrounding land was not included in the price.

So sadly it has remained empty and derelict ever since. It makes me sad, but everything comes down to cost in the end.

A stunning  mellow yellow brick building, grand in scale and design. But now little more than a huge millstone for the council. 

I hope it gets preserved but I suspect it will be demolished and the ground developed.

That's progress these days..