St David's Church, Llanthony facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St David's Church |
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Church of St David
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| 51°56′38″N 3°02′07″W / 51.9439°N 3.0352°W | |
| Location | Llanthony, Monmouthshire |
| Country | Wales |
| Denomination | Church in Wales |
| History | |
| Status | Grade I listed |
| Administration | |
| Diocese | Monmouth |
St David's Church is a very old church located at Llanthony Priory in Wales. It was first set up as a church in the 1500s. Later, in the late 1800s, it was carefully repaired and updated. This church is considered a very important historical building. It became a Grade I-listed building on September 1, 1956. This means it has special protection because of its history and architecture.
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History of St David's Church
The church stands just south of the old Llanthony Priory cloister. A cloister is a covered walkway, often found in monasteries. St David's Church was created after a big event called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This was when King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries in England and Wales.
How the Church Was Built
The church was made from parts of the Priory's old infirmary. An infirmary was like a hospital for the monks. The main part of the church, called the nave, used to be the infirmary's main hall. The chancel, which is the area around the altar, was once the infirmary's chapel. So, the church reused many parts of an even older building.
Restoration Work
In 1886 and 1887, the church was restored by an architect named J. James Spencer. He also worked on another nearby church, the Church of St Martin, Cwmyoy. These restorations helped to preserve the church's old features while making it suitable for use.
Ancient Origins and Legends
Cadw, which is the Welsh government's historic environment service, believes the church might be even older than the 1500s. There's a story that says the church was built in the 1100s. This was to remember a visit by Saint David himself to the valley. Saint David is the patron saint of Wales. However, this story might actually be about an even older church that existed before the Priory Church.
