Oxwich facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oxwich |
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 St Illtyd's Church |
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 Oxwich
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| OS grid reference | SS494868 |
| Principal area | |
| Ceremonial county | |
| Country | Wales |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | SWANSEA |
| Postcode district | SA3 |
| Dialling code | 01792 |
| Police | South Wales |
| Fire | Mid and West Wales |
| Ambulance | Welsh |
| EU Parliament | Wales |
| UK Parliament |
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| Welsh Assembly |
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Oxwich is a charming village found on the Gower Peninsula in south Wales. It is part of the city and county of Swansea. This small area is also part of the community of Penrice. In 2001, about 454 people called Oxwich home. It's a place with a rich history and beautiful natural surroundings.
Contents
Discovering Oxwich's Past
Oxwich has some really old and interesting places to explore. Many people think its castle is the most historic on the Gower Peninsula.
A Look at Oxwich Castle
Oxwich Castle is a very old building. We know it was lived in as early as 1459. A man named Philip Mansel was recorded as holding it then. The Mansel family were important local landowners. They became even more powerful during the time of the Tudor kings and queens.
St. Illtyd's Church and Its Legend
The parish church of St. Illtyd's stands proudly above Oxwich Bay. People have worshipped here for a very long time, since the 6th century! The main tower you see today was built in the 14th century. Some believe the oldest part of the church, the chancel, might be from the 6th century.
The church bell in the tower is also very old, dating back to the 14th century. It was fixed up in 1892. In the churchyard, there's a well with a spooky local legend. People say a ghost was once seen in the churchyard before it disappeared into the well.
Oxwich: A Special Nature Spot
Oxwich is home to a very special place called a national nature reserve. This area includes sand-dunes, lakes, and woodlands. It's protected because it has many different types of environments very close together. This means you can find a huge variety of plants and animals here. Some of the plants are quite rare and unusual!
Visiting Oxwich
Oxwich is a popular place for visitors. It offers beautiful scenery and places to stay.
Enjoying Oxwich Bay
Oxwich Bay is one of the most loved beaches in Gower. It has a wide, curving sandy shore. In the background, you can see the hills of Cefn Bryn. It's a great spot for a day out by the sea.
Places to Stay
The Oxwich Bay Hotel is located near St. Illtyd's Church. It sits on a large piece of land and looks out over the west end of Oxwich Bay. There is also a campsite in Oxwich. It has a heated swimming pool and welcomes both tents and trailers.
Protecting Nature in Oxwich
The nearby woods at Nicholston faced a challenge in the 1950s. Someone bought them who wanted to cut down most of the trees. This would have changed the beautiful landscape. Luckily, a group called the Oxwich Bay Protection Fund was started. They worked to protect the woods. A plan was agreed upon to allow only a limited number of trees to be cut down. This helped save the natural beauty of the area.
