The Church is of an ancient foundation and dates such as fifth and sixth centuries have been suggested (Bradney), thought although authorities disagree. The dedication is to a little-known female saint, Cenedlon (see below). The church stands on higher ground than much of the well-maintained churchyard which is bordered by the brook feeding into the River Monnow. It is a very picturesque spot but in heavy rain can flood leaving … Read more

The Church is dedicated to Saint Wonnow or Winwaloe, an Abbot or Confessor. The Saint’s name is given differently as Winwalloe, Gwenaloe, Wingualvens, Winwaloy and Walovay. At the Abbey of Landevennec, Brittany, he is known as Gwenhole. The first church on this site at Wonastow appears to have been built in the 7th century when Cynfwr ap Lago gave the church and village to the Church in Llandaff.

The elaborate font, decorated with netted fish and water lilies, was installed at the reconstruction and is to the left of the South door. To the right is the old Norman font which was found in the Rectory shrubbery some years ago.There are some interesting stone corbels.

The present church, or part of it, is known to have been in use in 1186 when it was mentioned in the Bull of Pope Urban III. Its original construction can therefore be dated as having taken place in all probability between 1170 and 1186. There may well have been an earlier structure on the site.

A church has been on this site since 1101AD when it formed part of a Benedictine Priory founded by Withenoc – Lord of Monmouth c.1075 – c.1082. After the disestablishment the church went into decay.The church was later restored by the Georgians and further by the Victorians.