St Michaels Church

About

The modest 'Shepherd’s' church of St Michael in Discoed (Old English 'dic' and 'cot' a cottage by Offa’s Dyke), on the border between Powys and Herefordshire, acts as a both a spiritual and artistic hub to the community. This chapel of ease for St Andrew’s, Presteigne, is medieval, with 'admirably restrained' Victorian modifications.

The circular site, the spectacular ancient yew tree, and the spring by the churchyard gate, suggest that the sanctity of this place has been respected for much longer. It remains a haven of rare tranquillity and natural beauty (with at least thirty-two species of wild flowers) set in unspoilt Welsh Marches border countryside.

The Discoed Yew

Within the churchyard you will find an ancient yew tree which is believed to be over 5000 years old and probably one of the five oldest in the British Isles. The Discoed Yew is one of the few donor yews for the Millennium Yew Project when cuttings from Yew trees that were alive at the time of Christ were planted for the new Millennium.

Offa's Dyke Path

Offa's Dyke was created in the 8th century by King Offa to defend his kingdom of Mercia from Welsh attacks. The dyke ran for 240km “from sea to sea” and was the first attempt to mark a fixed border between England and Wales.This section of the Offa’s Dyke Path at Discoed near Presteigne is one of the best places along the entire route to appreciate the form and scale of the defence.