Llanarth nr. Aberystwyth / Llannarth

Romilly Allen (1884) notes a sketch by H. l. [Longueville?] Jones of a "font supported by four beasts" at Llanarth, Cardiganshire. Kelly's Directory (South Wales, 1895) states that the font in this church is a work of the 11th century. Described and illustrated in Tyrrell-Green (1928): "The old font dilapidated and disused but now recovered and set up within the church at Llanarth (Cardigan) [...] has also prowling round its base four magnificent lions in bold relief, whose stealthy movement is very naturally indicated." The upper part of the basin is square, with a round well; the sides of the basin are slanted inwards and cut into eight triangular shapes (four upright, four inverted), at the foot of which roam the lions, all facing left; they all stand on a square platform. Peter Lord, in Diwylliant... (1998-2003) describes the lions that support this damaged font as "reminiscent of Herefordshire work". Thurlby (2006) notes the uniqueness of this lion base in Welsh fonts but adds that "analogues for lions at the base of fonts are found at Hereford cathedral , Shobdon (Herefs.), Sutton (Herefs.) and St Mary's Stafford", as well as on the Mosan font at Furneaux [NB: other Romanesque fonts with lions at the base exist in the Asturian region of Spain (e.g.: Bareyo, Santoña)]. Thurlby (ibid.) also points out that "the frieze at the top of the Llanarth font is almost totally obscured by a metal tie, but on the north face [...] traces of rosettes and pellets are seen above the tie" and that this motif adorns the fonts at Bettws Bledrws, Henfynyw and Llansantffraed as well. [NB: contacted Alun Teagle, of Part Caring Building Conservation, (e-mail of 21 September 2013) about restoration done in this church; Teagle noted that the font was just 'dusted' over at the time; he will provide any records if/when found and provide any images if available].