Evenjobb: History and Landscape

For your travel planning, there are several themes to choose from: church architecture, archaeological traces, garden landscape and nature. Each has its own character: St Peter has a dated building phase, the motte remains a possible shell keep, and Burfa Bog offers a circular trail through wetter areas. You can choose your focus according to your interest in architecture, archaeology or landscape.

Church Architecture and Archaeological Traces

The church of St Peter in Evancoyd was built between 1866 and 1870 in the Early English style, to a design by T. H. Wyat. Early English refers to an early phase of English Gothic architecture. This makes it possible to place the building in its historical and stylistic context: the dates indicate the period of construction, while the name of the style identifies its architectural tradition. T. H. Wyat was the architect responsible for the design. For travellers interested in church architecture, the date, style and design are three distinct aspects of the same building.

A second motte stands in the centre of Evenjobb. A motte is a fortified mound of earth. A shell keep has been conjectured around this motte; this remains an archaeological interpretation, not a confirmed surviving structure. The distinction matters for understanding the site: the motte is the feature specifically identified, while the shell keep is a possibility. This takes the theme from a specific location to a question about the possible form of the fortification.

At Pen Offa, a gate thought likely to be original survives in the form of low earthworks. Pen Offa lies on the boundary between the parishes of Discoed and Evenjobb (Einsiob) in Radnorshire (Powys). This boundary context adds a specific geographical setting to the archaeological feature. Unlike St Peter, whose construction period and style are identified, Pen Offa is chiefly notable for its surviving gate form and location between the parishes.

The gardens of Evancoyd include a wooded ornamental valley. The word “ornamental” describes a designed part of the garden landscape, while the woodland shapes its character. This adds a garden landscape as a distinct theme alongside church architecture and earthworks.

Burfa Bog: Habitat and Circular Trail

Burfa Bog is a mosaic landscape of grassland and woodland, as well as a wetland habitat with abundant insect activity. A circular trail leads through the area, with boardwalks crossing wetter sections. Habitat and trail offer different ways of experiencing the site: the landscape comprises a variety of areas, while the trail passes through wetter sections. If you would rather focus on nature than church architecture or archaeological interpretations when planning your trip, the emphasis here is on habitat and the route.

Access is via a minor road signposted Barland / Evenjobb. As signs and road conditions can change, check the current situation before setting off.

Discover more destinations: Welshpool, New Radnor, Cwm-twrch Uchaf, Ystradgynlais, Cwmdu, Bronllys, Machynlleth, Llanymynech

For the wider travel overview: Powys.