The Heritage Hiker’s Guide to Llanmaes

History of Llanmaes

Llan-maes – Llanfaes is a small village near Llantwit Major. Llanmaes has a long history of settlement. In 2003 a hoard of metal objects found locally pointed to settlement dating from the Bronze Age through to the Roman period. The site consisted of a complex of prehistoric timber roundhouses some dating from the Bronze Age and others the Iron Age, the site included pits of material such as pottery dating from the Roman period and other associated features.

Malefant Castle, Llanmaes

Remains of a stone building named Malefant Castle  lie roughly to the southeast of the church. It is thought to have once been a Late Medieval defended hall or tower.  The castle belonged to the De Malefant family, part of Glamorgan nobility. It is a site deemed of national importance and is located on private land.

St Cattwg’s Church, Llanmaes

A history of a church at Llanmaes may be as early as the 5th or 6th century. St Cattwg’s was built in the 13th century with the earliest mention in 1254. The four-stage tower was added in 1632 and the church was restored in the late Victorian period. A highlight of the interior is the wall painting of St George & Dragon, believed to date to the 15^th century. It has been so heavily limewashed that all light colours have faded.

In the churchyard there is the base of a Medieval preaching cross.

Where did Gavin and Stacey get married?

The interior and exterior of St Cattwg’s Church was used as the location for the fictional wedding of Gavin Shipman and Stacey West in the hit BBC TV comedy show Gavin and Stacey.

The Great House, Llanmaes

On visiting the church you can’t help but notice ‘The Great House’ the other side of its churchyard walls. The Great House dates to around 1700. It has elaborate stone urn topped gate-piers flanking its entrance and a dovecote within its grounds.

Walks

There are various public footpaths that link up to St Athan and or Llantwit Major.

For related articles near Llanmaes see Llantwit Major and Boverton.