Where is Llancarfan?
Llancarfan is a lovely little rural village in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales. The village is located west of Barry and near Cowbridge. It is home to an Iron Age Hillfort, called Castle Ditches (on private land).
Most of the village lies within a designated conservation area. Many of its buildings are listed as being of special historic interest. It is also home to a working red telephone box, which brings a sense of nostalgia to any visit. It is most well-known for its parish church. St Cadoc’s – St Cattwg’s a 6th-century clas, a religious school of learning.
St Cadoc’s/St Cattwg’s Church
The Church of St Cadoc’s – St Cattwg’s is linked with the Early Christian monastic site of Lann Gharban, later granted to Tewksbury Abbey. The church first appears in the sources in 1106 and is 12th century in origin. The church retains many of its medieval features. The earliest surviving feature is the transitional chancel arch dating to 12th century. The nave arcade and the door between nave and porch are dated to the middle of the 13th century or possibly earlier. In 2008 some of the best surviving examples of 15th century wall paintings were uncovered. These include ‘George and the Dragon’, ‘Death and the Gallant’ and ‘Seven Deadly Sins and the Seven Works of Mercy’. Extensive restoration took place in the late 1880s and in 1907 a trench was dug around the base of the walls. The font has been described as a Norman.
The large churchyard is roughly quadrangular with a rounded corner. A fragment from the churchyard pillar cross shaft is said to be housed in the church. The cross fragment and the extensive churchyard has been linked to the early Medieval monastery on the site.
Walks
There is a Valeways Walk that takes in Penamark, Lancarfan and Fonmon (starting at Lancarfan)
Llancarfan and the church can also be visited as part of the British Pligrim Trust – St Thomas Way – 4. Llancarfan
For articles relating to areas near Llancarfan see Rhoose, Penmark and Fonmon.
How can you mention the church without mentioning the medieval wall paintings???
Hi Mike, Thank you, you are quite right, I have added a short sentence now (I didn’t get the chance to see them on my last visit and will go back and take some pictures and update further in the near future). Not intentional and pleased you commented. Thanks again,