St Michael's has been a continuous place of worship for over 1500 years. Tradition is that the Church was originally founded by Glywyd ap Solor the early Welsh King of Glywysing (Glamorgan). However the first documentary evidence is in 1102 and by 1535 St Michael's had achieved the status of an independent Rectory. Many changes have been made to the building over the centuries. The bell tower is 15th Century, the Nave dates from 1102 but was rebuilt in c1600, the Chancel is 13th Century and the Morgan Chapel was built in 1710 where 14 of the Morgan family are buried. The Church has 11 hatchments to members of the Morgan family, at one time known as an "achievement" and would show the coats of arms of deceased great families. Unusually included are three hatchments for ladies. The churchyard is Grade 11 listed as it has the base of a medieval preaching cross on a stepped plinth where according to Gerald of Monmouth, Archbishop Baldwin of Canterbury preached in 1188 in support of King Richard the Lionheart's 3rd Crusade to the Holy Land. ref: St Michaels and all Angels Lower Machen Visitor Guide.