St Peter's Church stands at the heart of Ruthin's medieval town plan, a 13th and 14th-century parish church with a magnificent carved oak ceiling, an extraordinary set of iron gates by the master craftsmen of 18th-century Wales, and a history as old as the town itself. It is one of the finest parish churches in North Wales and one of the most rewarding to visit.
The Building
The church dates from the 13th and 14th centuries, built and extended as the borough of Ruthin developed under English lordship following Edward I's conquest. The tower and nave fabric retain substantial medieval stonework. The building was extended and modified in subsequent centuries but retains its medieval character more clearly than many comparable churches in the region.
The most celebrated interior feature is the magnificent oak panelled ceiling of the north aisle, given according to local tradition by Henry VII following his visit to the town. The ceiling is a remarkable piece of late medieval carpentry — intricate, well-preserved, and an exceptional example of the Tudor royal patronage that graced churches across Wales in the decades after Bosworth.
The Davies Brothers Gates
The iron gates leading to the south porch of St Peter's were made in 1727 by Robert and John Davies of Bersham, near Wrexham — the most celebrated Welsh ironworkers of their era. The Davies Brothers were responsible for some of the finest decorative ironwork in Britain in the early 18th century; their most famous work is the great gate at Chirk Castle, which hangs in the same period.
The Ruthin gates consist of a pair of main gates between elaborate stone piers, with smaller side gates. The whole is topped by extravagant scrollwork, decorative finials and metalwork of exceptional quality. They were restored in 1928. Standing in the churchyard looking at them, you are looking at one of the masterworks of the Welsh craft tradition.
The Churchyard and Parish
St Peter's serves the ancient parish of Ruthin, one of the oldest in Denbighshire. The churchyard contains memorials spanning several centuries and is a pleasant place to spend time — central, sheltered, and filled with the kind of quiet that urban churchyards in small market towns uniquely provide. The church is normally open during daylight hours.
| Founded | 13th century |
|---|---|
| Oak ceiling | Traditionally attributed to Henry VII |
| Iron gates | Robert and John Davies of Bersham, 1727 |
| Gates restored | 1928 |
| Location | Church Street, Ruthin LL15 1AA |
| Opening | Usually open daylight hours — free entry |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is special about St Peter's Church Ruthin?
St Peter's Church is notable for its rare double-naved plan, its Tudor oak roof with over 400 carved panels, and the celebrated Davies Brothers wrought-iron gates of 1727 — considered among the finest examples of blacksmithing in Britain. It is Grade I listed.
Is St Peter's Church Ruthin free to visit?
Yes, St Peter's Church is generally open to visitors free of charge during daylight hours. The church is in active use so opening times may vary around services.
Who made the iron gates at St Peter's Church?
The gates were made by Robert and John Davies of Bersham in 1727, gifted to the church by the Myddleton family of Chirk Castle. The Davies brothers also made the gates at Chirk Castle and Wrexham Parish Church.