St Cadoc's Church, Caerleon facts for kids
St Cadoc's Church is a very old and important church in Caerleon, Newport, Wales. It's part of the Church in Wales and is considered a special historical building, known as Grade II* listed. This means it's protected because of its history and architecture. Many places are linked to Saint Cadoc, and this church is one of them.
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A Church with Roman Roots
Caerleon is a place full of history. Long ago, it was home to a big Roman army base called Isca Augusta. St Cadoc's Church actually stands right over the principia, which was the main headquarters of the Roman fortress. This was where the Roman soldiers kept their important flags and statues of their emperors.
The oldest parts of the church we can still see today were built after the Normans took over the kingdom of Glywysing in the 1100s. It's thought that a man named Hywel ap Iowerth helped build it. He also started the Cistercian Llantarnam Abbey.
A Look at the Church's Style
The church you see today was mostly built in the 1400s. It's in a style called Perpendicular Gothic, which was very popular back then. This style is known for its tall, straight lines and big windows.
The church has a tower at its southwest corner. The bottom part of this tower might be from the original Norman church, built in the 1100s or 1200s. You can still see narrow, pointed windows called lancet windows from that time. Inside, the church has beautiful stained-glass windows. These windows show scenes from the life of Jesus and represent the strong faith of the saints connected to Caerleon.
Why St Cadoc's Church is Special
St Cadoc's Church has been a Grade II* listed building since 1951. This means it's a very important historical site. It's a central part of the village of Caerleon and is famous for its impressive medieval tower.
More Places to Explore
- Cambuslang
- Llancarfan, where Saint Cadoc had an abbey in the 500s
- St Cadoc's Hospital, also in Caerleon
- St Cadocs/Penygarn, an area in Torfaen that also has a St Cadoc's church
- St Cadoc's Church, Raglan
- St Cadoc's Church, Llangattock Lingoed
