Mary Jones World facts for kids
The Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre (also known as Mary Jones World or Byd Mary Jones in Welsh) is a special place in Llanycil, near Bala, Gwynedd, Wales. It sits by the beautiful Llyn Tegid lake. This centre tells the amazing true story of Mary Jones, a brave teenage girl from a village called Llanfihangel-y-Pennant.
Back in 1800, when Mary was fifteen, she really wanted her own Welsh Bible. She saved her money for six years to buy one! Mary then walked 26 miles (about 42 kilometres) all the way to Bala, hoping to find a Bible there. When she arrived, she found that all the Bibles were sold out.
The story says that a kind minister, Reverend Thomas Charles, heard about Mary's long journey and her strong desire for a Bible. He is believed to have given her one of his own spare copies. Some versions of the story say Mary waited two days for new Bibles to arrive, and Reverend Charles gave her three copies to take back to her village. This inspiring story helped start the British and Foreign Bible Society.
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The Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre
The Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre was opened on 5 October 2014. It was created by the British and Foreign Bible Society in an old village church dedicated to Saint Beuno. The centre helps visitors learn about Mary's journey and how her story led to the Bible Society being formed.
Who Was Mary Jones?
Mary Jones was a young girl who lived in Wales more than 200 years ago. She grew up in a time when Bibles were not easy to find, especially in the Welsh language. Mary loved reading and wanted to read the Bible for herself. Her determination to get a Bible, even walking such a long distance, shows how important faith and education were to her.
The Story of Mary's Bible
Mary's journey to Bala to buy a Bible is a famous part of Welsh history. Her dedication deeply moved Reverend Thomas Charles. This event highlighted the great need for Bibles in the Welsh language. Because of Mary's story, Reverend Charles and others decided to create a society to make sure Bibles were available to everyone, everywhere. This led to the creation of the British and Foreign Bible Society in 1804.
What Can You See There?
The centre offers lots of information about Mary Jones and her life. You can also learn about the growth of the Bible Society and how it helps people around the world. Reverend Thomas Charles, who helped Mary, is buried in the churchyard of St Beuno, right next to the centre.
The Pilgrim Café
The Pilgrim Café is a lovely place to relax at the centre. It offers hot drinks, tasty homemade cakes, and light lunches. The food is made with ingredients from local suppliers. You don't have to visit the exhibition to enjoy the café; it's open to everyone. If you are planning a group visit, you can book ahead.
School Visits and Play Area
The Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre encourages school groups to visit. It's a great place for students to learn about history, faith, and the importance of books. There is also a fun children's play area right next to the centre, perfect for younger visitors to enjoy.
Planning Your Visit
The centre is a welcoming place for everyone. It offers a chance to learn about an important part of Welsh history and the story of a determined young girl.
Recent Updates
The centre had some updates and reopened in March 2024. It is now called Canolfan Pererin Mary Jones Pilgrim Centre. For the latest news and special events, you can check their social media pages. They post regular updates there.
Visiting Hours and Admission
The centre has specific opening hours, especially during peak season.
- Peak Season: 23 March to 29 September 2024
- Days: Wednesday to Sunday
- Time: 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
- It is also open on Bank Holiday Mondays.
There is no fee to enter the centre, but donations are very welcome to help support their work. For school groups, there is a small charge. You can contact the centre directly for more information about group bookings and charges.
