LlanMadoc Church – the Gower South Wales
My wife and I recently visited St. Madoc’s Church in Llanmadoc, which is steeped in history. The original church was reputedly founded by St. Madoc in the 6th century, with the current building dating back to the 13th century.
We were fascinated by a lettered stone set in one of the windowsills, dating from the 6th century. It was discovered in 1861 in the old parsonage house walls and commemorates “Advenctus son of Guanus.” The west wall features a crude pillar cross and a boundary marker from the 7th to 9th centuries, while the font is likely Norman.
During the 12th century, the parish was controlled by the Knights Templar before passing to the Knights Hospitaller of St. John of Jerusalem, though no visible evidence of this remains. The Revd J.D. Davies, a skilled woodcarver who was Rector here from 1860 to 1911, carved the oak altar frontal and led a major restoration in 1865.
The church is open daily throughout the year, making it a wonderful place to explore at any time.
Grid Reference: 439934
Postcode: SA3 1DE
Download “In the Steps of the Saints,” a trail of Gower churches.
Date of Visit: Thursday 2nd August 2024