St Gwenog's Church facts for kids
Quick facts for kids St Gwenog's Church |
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| Location | Llanwenog, Llanybydder, Ceredigion |
| Country | Wales |
| Denomination | Anglican |
| History | |
| Founded | Medieval |
| Architecture | |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Designated | 6 March 1964 |
| Architectural type | Church |
| Administration | |
| Benefice | Lampeter |
| Archdeaconry | Cardigan |
| Diocese | St Davids |
St Gwenog's Church is a very old church located in Wales, near a village called Llanybydder in Ceredigion. It's a special building from the Middle Ages, built in the late 1300s. You can find it in the small village of Llanwenog. This church is so important that it's a "Grade I listed building," which means it's protected because of its amazing history and unique features.
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Discovering St Gwenog's Church
St Gwenog's Church is the only church ever built to honor Saint Gwenog. It was first built between the late 1300s and the 1400s. The tall, impressive tower was added a bit later, after the year 1485.
Inside the church, you can see a special plaque. It has the family symbol of Rhys ap Thomas, who was an important lord from a long time ago. The church also has its original roof from the 1400s, which looks like the inside of a barrel.
Beautiful Carvings and Artistry
The wooden seats (called pews) and other furniture inside the church are beautifully carved. Some of this detailed work was designed by Colonel Herbert Davies-Evans in the early 1800s. Other amazing carvings were done by a famous Belgian artist named Joseph Reubens from 1914 to 1919.
Why St Gwenog's Church is Special
The church was officially made a Grade I listed building on March 6, 1964. This means it's considered one of the most important historic buildings in the area. Experts say it's the most complete medieval church in Cardiganshire. They especially love its roof and tower from the late 1400s.
Some parts of the church, like the main hall (nave) and the area around the altar (chancel), might be from the 1300s. A smaller room, like a chapel, is thought to be from the 1400s.
Church Connections
St Gwenog's Church is part of a group of churches called the United Benefice of Lampeter. It belongs to the Archdeaconry of Cardigan, which is part of the Diocese of St Davids.
Who Was Saint Gwenog?
We don't know a lot about Saint Gwenog herself. A guide from 2015 suggests that her first name might have been Gwenllian, or "Gwen the Nun." It's thought that she might have started a place for preaching and put up a cross near a farmhouse called Croesgwenllian, which is close to the church.
A historian named Sabine Baring-Gould described Gwenog as a "Virgin," meaning she was a holy woman. He also noted that her family history isn't clearly recorded anywhere. Her saint's day is listed as January 3rd. Some historians believe she lived in the 600s.
