BYTON

From it's name one may discern that the hamlet of Byton has Anglo-saxon origins, however the precense of standing stones and burial mounds nearby might mean an even older heritage. The church stands in an elevated position which would have made for an excellent look out position for marauding Welsh livestock rustlers. One noticable thing about the site is the curiously motte-like hill on the way up to the church which is not noted as a castle site but seems to fit all the requirements in terms of location near the church and formidably defensive position. Further research reveals this to be the case, with traces of a shell keep and at the S end some evidence of a gatehouse with small full-round towers. Some documentary evidence has put a date on it of c1190
A church has stood here for about 1000 years, the present building dates from 1859 after an accidental fire. It would appear that the previous church was built around 1406 as it gets a mention in Bishop Mascal's Register as "tax exempt due to the recent Welsh raid that destroyed the church and the living of the vicar". The earliest church would have been 11th or 12th century and the original tympanum can be seen set into the south wall. It shows the Lamb and Flag between two rather celtic-looking designs. The font is also from this time.