The new parish of Pontfadog was formed on 15 April 1848, from the ancient parish of Llangollen. It comprised the whole of Glyn Traean - i.e. the townships of Cilcochwyn, Crogen Iddon, Crogen Wladys, Erwallo, Hafodgynfor, Nantygwryd, Pennant and Talygarth; together with the township ofCysylltau from Llangollen Traean. However, Cysylltau returned to Llangollen in 1870.
The church of St. John the Baptist was consecrated on Thursday, 7th October 1847.
"The consecration of the new church and churchyard, at this interesting spot, on the banks of the river Ceiriog, took place on Thursday, the 7th inst., in the presence of a numerous assemblage of clergy and inhabitants of the surrounding districts ..... Although Tuesday and Wednesday had been exceedingly wet, and promised anything but auspicious weather for the holy solemnity, still, nevertheless, on Thursday Phoebus flung aside his cloudy veil and emitted from his cheerful disc the most gladdening rays of gratulation on the interesting occasion ..... The churchyard was afterwards consecrated; at the conclusion of which ceremony the Vicar entertained a lunch, in the Viscount Dungannon's capacious tent, which was pitched in an adjoining field ..... The church, which is much admired, was built by Mr Vaughan, of Oswestry, after a design by Mr W. Ward." [From Chester Chronicle, 15 October 1847]
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