Tombs of crusaders, 350-year-old marriage registers and Medieval wall-paintings will be among the treasures on display this weekend as churches across Wales open their doors to show off their rich heritage.
More than 300 churches are taking part Open Churches Day (Sat 17) this year to draw attention to the treasures we have on our doorsteps.
Many of them are listed buildings and contain architectural and artistic gems, such as ancient Celtic stones, Medieval screens, prized Victorian stained glass and daring modern sculpture. Some of them are linked with traditional Welsh tales and legends, such as the font where the infamous pirate king “Barti Du” was baptised, the burial place of Dic Penderyn, killed in the Merthyr Riots, and the grave of Jemima “Fawr” who single-handedly scotched the French invasion of Fishguard 200 years ago. Some churches, too, are mentioned in the Mabinogion.
Visitors will also have the chance to look at important social documents, such as baptism and marriage registers. There will be guided tours, food and drink, exhibitions, activities for children and special services to welcome visitors.
The event is organised by Churches Tourism Network Wales which has the full details of churches taking part on its website, www.ctnw.co.uk/ocd2011/
Almost a third of the Grade One listed buildings in Wales are Church in Wales buildings.
Alex Glanville, Head of Property Services for the Church in Wales, said:
“While many of the churches are open for visitors all the year round, this is an opportunity for them to highlight the treasures they contain that most of us miss or take for granted and also to celebrate their role in the community as sacred spaces.
“These are buildings which have been the focal point of communities for centuries and tell the story of our common heritage. We hope this national event will encourage people to cross the threshold, meet the people who care for the buildings and enjoy their beauty and tranquility.”
Many churches are also taking part in Open Doors part of European Heritage days throughout September http://www.civictrustwales.org/ehd/
Examples of churches taking part across Wales
For a full list visit www.ctnw.co.uk
North Wales:
St Maelog’s Church, Llanfaelog
Display of wedding dresses, floral displays and marriage memorabilia
St Cyngar’s Church, Llangefni
Displays about the church’s refurbishment, painting exhibition and historical tour
St Tudno, Llandudno
Double-headed dragon carving and Medieval stigmata
St Grwst, Llanwrst
Prince Llewelyn’s sarcophagus
Bangor Cathedral
Green Man trail and mouse hunt
Llanelian Church, Colwyn Bay
Medieval church with links with nearby cursing well
St Winifrid’s, Abergele
Ancient pilgrimage site with standing stones and 2,000-year-old yews
St Cadwaladr, Ynys Mon
A herb and apothecary garden and honey fair
Sant Pedr, Llanbedrgoch
Mermaid carving on 600-year-old bench end.
Mid Wales:
St Mary, Llanywern
Celtic site, church in the marsh
St Gastyn, Llangasty
Dates back to 420 AD
St Llwchaiarn, Newtown
William Morris window
St Mary and Llanfair Kilgeddin, between Usk and Abergavenny
See outstanding sgraffito coloured plasterwork decoration.
Brecon Cathedral
Lockable walled Medieval close
St John’s Pool Quay near Welshpool
Visit the wonderful tea rooms
South-West Wales:
St Mary, Aberavon
Burial place of Dic Penderyn
St Davids, Llanddewi, Swansea
Join in the farm walk
St Mary’s, Penard
Minstrel gallery and millennium window
St Teilo, Llandeilo
Digital display of illuminated Gospel book
All Saints, Llangorwen
First stone alter in Wales following the Reformation
St Elidyr, Ludchurch Narberth
13th Century church on Cistercian Way, location for story from the Mabinogion
St Mary Begelly, Kilgetty
Weeping chancel and squint
St Peter, Little Newcastle
Church where pirate “Barti Du” is reported to have been baptized
St Cadog’s Llangadog Carmarthenshire
Vicarage Fete and auction/supper
St Mary’s, Magor
Architecture thought to be the work of the same masons who built Tintern Abbey
St Thomas, Redwick
Learn about the Great Flood of 1606/7 which devastated southern Monmouthshire.
St John the Baptist, Danescourt, Cardiff
A 1,000-year-old yew tree and the burial place of author Roald Dahl’s parents
St Cadoc, Llancarfan
14th Century wallpaintings uncovered in 2008 and a 15th Century painted wooden screen
St Margaret’s Roath, Cardiff
Grade 1 listed church which houses the Bute Mausoleum.
St Tathan’s Church, St Athan
Climb the bell tower or hand bell ringing
St Cynwyd’s, Llangynwyd, Maesteg
Trails and talks with a cake stall and refreshments
