Church of St John the Baptist, Llanblethian facts for kids

The Church of St John the Baptist in 2008
Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).
OS grid reference	SS 984 740
Location	Llanblethian, Vale of Glamorgan
Country	Wales, United Kingdom
Denomination	Church in Wales
Quick facts for kids History
Founded	12th century
Dedication	John the Baptist
Architecture
Heritage designation	Grade I
Architectural type	Church
Style	Medieval

The Church of St John the Baptist is a very old church in Llanblethian, a village in the Vale of Glamorgan, south Wales. People believe it was built way back in the 12th century, which means it's over 800 years old! This church has a special tower that looks a bit different from other churches in Wales. Its style is more common in the southwest of England.

The church was carefully repaired and updated in the late 1800s by an architect named C. B. Fowler. Because of its historical importance and unique design, the Church of St John was given a special status as a Grade I building on February 22, 1963. This means it's considered a very important historical building.

What is the History of St John's Church?

The Church of St John the Baptist was first mentioned in a document from the mid-1100s. This old paper showed that the church belonged to Tewkesbury Abbey, which was a large monastery. We can tell how old the church is by looking at its short, low chancel (the area around the altar), which was definitely built in the 12th century.

Who Built the Tower?

The church's unique tower, which is in a style called "Somerset style," is said to have been a gift in 1477. It was given by Lady Anne Neville. She was an important heiress and the wife of Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who later became King Richard III of England. An old church record from 1721 even says that Anne was responsible for building parts of other churches too, like the south part of Cowbridge church and St John’s Tower in Cardiff.

How Was the Church Restored?

In the 1890s, the church went through a big restoration project led by architect C. B. Fowler. The inside of the church was greatly updated. For example, the old plaster was removed from the walls, showing the bricks underneath. A good thing about this work was that it uncovered the beautiful oak roof. However, many of the original medieval wooden beams had to be replaced.

During these restoration works, a hidden room called a crypt was found under the vestry (a room where clergy prepare). Inside, they discovered the remains of about 200 bodies! No one knows for sure if this crypt was used to store bones moved from the graveyard or if it was a mass burial site from a historical event.

Changes to the Church's Role

In 1994, the Church of St John the Baptist changed its role. It used to be the main or "mother church" for the parish of Llanblethian and Cowbridge. This meant its vicar (the priest) was in charge of other churches nearby, like those in Llansannor and Welsh St Donats. However, this main role was then given to the church in Cowbridge instead.

The church was officially listed as a Grade I building on February 22, 1963. This was because it is a "Medieval parish church with much surviving detail and fine tower."

What is the Architecture of St John's Church Like?

The oldest part of the church is the original 12th-century chancel. You can spot it by a single, narrow window on the north wall. The stone work inside this window is still original from when it was first built.

The Unique Tower

The church's tower is built in the "Somerset style." This style is similar to the tower of St John the Baptist Church, Cardiff, which is the oldest medieval church in Wales' capital city. The tower at Llanblethian looks quite unusual for its location. Its features are more like those found in Cornwall and Devon in England, rather than in Glamorgan, Wales.

The tower has two main sections and strong, stepped supports called buttresses. It also has a spiral staircase on its northeast side. Inside the tower, there are six bells. These bells were repaired and rehung in 1994, so they are ready to ring out!

Inside the Church

The inside of the church was heavily restored by C. B. Fowler in 1896–97. One interesting feature inside is a stone statue of a man with a greyhound dog at his feet. There is also a simple but beautiful stone tablet dedicated to the parents of Sir Leoline Jenkins, a local person who gave a lot to the community. This tablet dates back to 1763.

The pulpit (where the sermon is given) is very fancy. It is made of many different coloured pieces, designed by Fowler and carved by W. Clarke.

Images for kids

• 

  The Church of St John the Baptist in 2008