FROM the Archive this week features a photograph of Merthyr Dyfan Church, in the Colcot, Barry.

Merthyr Dyfan Church was built in the 13th century.

It fell into disrepair during the reformation, but in 1857 was renovated by Messrs. Pritchard and Seddon at the cost of £427. T

hey were architects to the Lord Bishop of the Diocese.

Dilapidated portions of the church were rebuilt, a new roof over the nave and additional windows installed.

A new oak gate was fitted and the surrounding walls repaired.

When it was officially reopened by the Bishop in September 1857, Lady Elizabeth Romilly also attended.

She was married to lieutenant colonel Frederick Romilly a younger son of Sir Samuel Romilly.

The newspaper reports, at the time, that the church was filled to overflowing and included numerous people from the "poorer classes."

The Barry & District News would like to thank Cllr Shirley Hodges for the photograph and information.

If you have an old Barry photograph you would like to see included, with information about what it depicts, email sha@barryanddistrictnews.co.uk