One of the oldest churches in England and Wales used for Catholic worship has undergone a major restoration project thanks to the monks of Caldey Island. Led by Caldey's artisan Belgian builder Francois, and assisted by Brother Luca, Simon Curnin and other estate workers, St. Illtyd's Church, known for its leaning spire, which is part of the priory on the monastic isle, has been given a makeover. Dating back to the 13th or 14th centuries and once used as a laundry and even a brewery, structural support improvements have been undertaken, as well as stonework cleaning, plus landscaping work to make the priory area more attractive and accessible to visitors. Inside the newly-rewired church, not only have the wooden pews and book rests been varnished and a damp problem solved with the stone walls removed of mould and discolouration, but most fascinatingly, unique etchings on the walls of the sanctuary have been uncovered. Mystery, however, surrounds the artist responsible for the drawings and the date they were done. "The designs are complex and we are not sure what they resemble," said Father Gildas, who has various theories as to their origin. With its characteristic floor made of pebbles from the beach which have worn smooth by time and generations of worshippers, the church is imbued with a unique atmosphere of peace and prayerful serenity. It's where visitors can pause for a moment of quietness, write a message and light a candle in memory of a loved one and also where the monks worship and reflect too. Island estates manager Ben Childs is delighted with the restoration work. He said: "Excellent work has been done in the church and the surrounding area, which the abbey community is extremely pleased with. "We must also thank our American friend, Patricia Bushra, who calls St. Illtyd's her favourite church in the world, and who assisted us, via a donation, in completing the project. We are very grateful."