The Vale of Clwyd was a significant center for the development of Christianity, with numerous Celtic saints establishing religious cells in the area. St. Meugan's church in Llanrhydd became a prominent mother church, recorded in historical documents and receiving compensation for damages during wars. Edward I's conquest of Wales in 1282 led to the reduction of St. Meugan's influence, as Ruthin Castle was constructed, and Ruthin became a chartered borough.
Lord John de Grey established St. Peter's Collegiate Church in 1310, housing a community of priests known as the Bonshommes. The church endured damage during uprisings but continued to serve the community. Over time, the church underwent alterations, including a Victorian restoration and the addition of a spire. St. Peter's is known for its distinctive double-naved structure and magnificent timber roofs. Dean Gabriel Goodman played a significant role in Ruthin, refounding the wardenship and constructing almshouses.
The church experienced maintenance challenges, including a fire in 1904. In 1920, the Welsh Church Act resulted in the separation of Wales and Monmouthshire from the Church of England. Notable memorials and historical buildings related to the church and Gabriel Goodman can be found in the vicinity.
References:Sigmaringen Castle was first mentioned in the year 1077 in the chronicles of Petershausen monastery. The oldest parts of the castle are concealed beneath the alterations made during the 17th and the 19th centuries. The secret of the earliest settlement built on this defendable rock will never be fully revealed: large-scale excavation work would be necessary, which the extensive land development renders impossible. Judging from the many Roman remains unearthed in the area around Sigmaringen, the 12th century keep known as the 'Roman Tower' could be traced back to a Roman predecessor.
The castle remains that have been preserved (gate, great hall and keep) date back to the Staufer period around 1200. The castle remains were integrated into subsequent buildings. The foundations of the castle buildings are to a large extent identical to the surrounding castle wall.
These remains give us a good idea of how the castle might have looked during the 12th century.