until it was restored in 1859. The walls almost certainly date back to the 15thC if not earlier and the 15thC roof remains. But apart from a Perpendicular east window and two re-set lights in the vestry, all the fenestration is Victorian, dating to a restoration of 1859, with further works in 1898 when the interior was re-ordered. Little of pre-19thC date survives inside. And in 1869 Glynne wrote that "this church has been so completely renovated, as scarcely to retain any ancient features". Notable vicars Notable former vicars include the poets Gwallter Mechain and R. S. Thomas. Gwallter Mechain (Walter of Mechain) was the bardic name of Walter Davies (1761 – 1849), who was a Welsh poet, editor, translator, antiquary and Anglican clergyman, born Llanfechain, Montgomeryshire. He went studied at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he received his MA in 1803. He was then awarded the living of Llanwyddelan and in 1807 became vicar of Manafon, where he remained for 30 years and did most of his literary work. Davies was closely associated with the London Welsh, especially the Gwyneddigion Society, and the revival of the Cymmrodorion Society in 1820. He was a keen supporter of eisteddfodau, where he won many prizes, and he played an important role in establishing provincial eisteddfodic societies. R. S. Thomas (1913 – 2000) was rector of Manafon from 1942 to 1954. It was during his time in Manafon that he first began to study Welsh and that he published his first three volumes of poetry, The Stones of the Field (1946), An Acre of Land (1952) and The Minister (1953). Thomas's poetry achieved a breakthrough with the publication, in 1955, of his fourth book, Song at the Year's Turning, with an introduction by poet John Betjeman. This, in effect a collected edition of his first three volumes, was critically very well received. Music album Manafon Manafon is a 2009 album by David Sylvian. It is an avant-garde work combining elements of free improvisation, experimental rock and chamber music. It reached rank No. 6 in The Wire's list of best 2009 albums. This album was inspired by the Welsh poet R. S. Thomas. Manafon is indeed a village in Wales, a village in which Thomas lived for sometime and served as rector to the parish. In this small village, Thomas had trouble filling the pews of a Sunday but in a sense it was something