There can be little doubt that Llangynhafal is ancient.  The churchyard of St Cynhafal’s Church is, despite modifications over the years, still clearly raised and oval in shape.  Together with the dedication of the church to St Cynhafal, thought to be active in the area in the 7th century, and the nearby holy well, the evidence seems to suggest an early medieval foundation.  In fact, the dedication to St Cynhafal is thought to be unique in Wales.

 

The village is a few miles south east of Denbigh, sheltered by the looming Clwydian Hills and curiously close to a number of other llan settlements, within the stunning Vale of Clwyd.  It is first recorded as, ‘Langenhaval’ in the ubiquitous Norwich Taxation but then rather disappears from written record.

 

The church is a little distance from the village.  Built in the perpendicular style with a pretty little bellcote, it was renovated in 1699 and of course in the 19th century.  The roof is apparently late medieval, as is the font.  The Church is situated close to the aptly named , Plas-yn-llan, a timber framed 2 story sub medieval home in which William Wordsworth stayed as a guest of the Jones family in 1791-93.  A garderobe was discovered after some renovation in the 1980s.