Saint Illtyd - Church of St Illtyd - Ilston, Gower, Wales.
N 51° 35.594 W 004° 05.117
30U E 424822 N 5716355
The stunning ancient church of St Illtyd. A 'Church in Wales' Episcopal church in the Benefice of Three Cliffs - the Dioceses of Brecon and Swansea. Located in the tiny village of Ilston, on the Gower Peninsula, South Wales.
Waymark Code: WMKERT
Location: South Wales, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 04/02/2014
Views: 2
St Illtyd's Ilston - A church from the 13th century with even older foundations. This well kept Church is open during daylight hours in the summer months. The tiny whitewashed side chapel, really gives you a feeling of solitude and strength. This is a must visit church, if you are in Swansea or South Wales.
"St.Illtyd's church probably derives from a 6th century monastic cell. The present church was largely built during the 13th century incorporating the 6th century cell in the base of a massive embattled tower with a transverse saddle-back roof. Fro the Millennium celebrations the tower was reopened into the church and the area restored as a simple, but beautiful chapel.
Other notable features include the bells. Two are rung, dating from 1716. The third, dating from the 15th century, now lies opposite the entrance. The massive yew tree in the churchyard is believed to be as old as the church itself.
a walk down the valley from the Church brings you to the ruins of the first Baptist chapel in Wales, used after the Restoration in 1660 by john Miles. When dissenting assemblies became illegal, he and his flock emigrated to America in 1663 and founded Swansea in Massachusetts." Text Source: (
visit link)
"This church, and a number of others in Gower, were controlled by the Knights Hospitaller, a military monastic order for whom martial symbols of God's dominion would have had particular resonance." Text Source: (
visit link)
From the Church Web Site:
A restored medieval church with Dark Age foundations. It is open during daylight hours in the summer months and the restored side chapel is worth visiting for prayer and reflection.
Service Times
1st Sunday
9.30 Holy Communion
2nd Sunday
9.30 Holy Communion
3rd Sunday
9.30 Morning Prayer
4th Sunday
9.30 Cymun Bendigaid
5th Sunday
11.00 in rotation with the other churches in the Benefice
Other Services
The midweek service for this Benefice is at St Mary's Church at 9.45 am on a Wednesday
Notable Features
Settled in a hollow by a running stream with a wonderfully restored side chapel. A very ancient and Holy place. Text Source:
(
visit link)