6. St. Mary - Llangwyfan

Introduction

It may sound as a contradiction in terms, but if ever a church could be described as 'grand on a small scale' St. Mary's, Llangwyfan would fit the bill. Built in 1878 as a replacement for the ill-fated 'Church in the sea' (No. 5 on the trail) it stands rather proudly in its well tended churchyard.

Inside it actually feels older than its years, possibly because some of the features were transplanted from the original church, but also possibly because of the care lavished on it and the warmth of its welcome. This is a self-confident church and well worth a vist.

A Visit

There is a parking area in the field to right of the gate, on wet days it may be worth considering parking (with care) on the side of the road itself.

The current church was built by architects Henry Kennedy and Gustavus Hamilton O'Donoghue to replace St. Cwyafan which deteriorating badly due to coastal erosion. They were evidently 'playing safe' as the new church is over a mile inland! Entering the churchyard you are swept along a short curve of path to the Porch and through it's large door to the interior.

Inside, the Nave has the modest grandeur mentioned above. It's darkly varnishd Victorian pews vie for attention with its wooden beamed roof and bright stained glass window above the altar. The whole effect set off by its spotless, warm, red carpeting and the flourish of fresh flowers.

The altar itself is fairly simply decorated wood and the altar rail likewise. Far from feeling austere this just adds to that feeling of confidence. Weel worth noting are the inscriptions painted onto the North and South walls of the Chancel. These read: 'Fy ngwaed i sydd ddiod yn awr' (My blood is a drink now) and 'Fy nghnawd sydd fwyd yn wir' (My flesh is food indeed).

Turning back toward the door there is an plain, uncarved font with an ornate wooden cover which appears far older than than its setting. Set inside a small alcove nearby are an inscribed brass plaque and a carved stone dated 1602, presumably from the original church.

Back out to the churchyard it's well worth a stroll to admire the proportions of the building and its remote setting, and especially its views to the sea that was the ruin of its predecessor.