St. Giles Church was founded in c.1220, but of the earliest church little remains. The present church is probably the third to have been built on the site, with the west tower is the most impressive feature. On 25th November 1330, the church tower (often referred to as a steeple) was blown down, the result of which was that the whole church was rebuilt in the Decorated style. Some features of this 14th century church have survived and formed the basis of the outline of the nave and aisles of the 15th century building. In the mid-15th century, either in 1457 or 1463, the Parish Church was gutted by fire, and work on the present building was started on the same site a few years later, probably financed by Lady Margaret Beaufort, mother of King Henry VII. of the church which was completed in 1524-25. It contains 10 bells, cast in 1726-27 by Abraham Rudhall of Gloucester.
At the beginning of the 18th century, the church received a number of gifts from Elihu Yale of Plas Grono (1649-1721), the benefactor of Yale University. His tomb is in the churchyard, near the west door. Also buried in the churchyard are Sir Roger Palmer (1832–1910 ) of Cefn Park, a survivor of the Charge of the Light Brigade, and painter John Downman RA (1750–1824).
Entering the church, you can see the Royal Arms of Queen Anne. Above you are the arcades of arches, with one from the 14th century showing a mermaid combing her hair. The wooden roof dates from the 16th century and is adorned with 16 angels playing musical instruments. At the east end there is the small red face of the devil. The brass eagle lectern is one of only a few surviving from before the Reformation. The pulpit is decorated with figures of Christ and the four evangelists, and dates from the 1867 restoration of St Giles’ Church.
The north aisle is now the Royal Welch Fusiliers Memorial Chapel and the Wrexham War Memorial Chapel (memorial details are here). There is a stained-glass window designed by Joseph Nuttgens showing men of the RWF in their historic uniforms.
Entry to the churchyard is by way of the wrought iron gates manufactured by local smith Robert Davies of Croesfoel. Erected in 1720, the gates originally sealed off Church Street and were attached to the buildings on either side. In 1807/ 8 they were moved back and formed part of a new wrought iron railing which surrounded the churchyard. They were moved to their present position in 1820.
