Church of St John the Baptist - Aberdare, Cynnon Valley, Wales. - This Old Church on Waymarking.com

St John's Church was built in the latter part of the 12th Century, as a Chapel of Ease for monks from Margam Abbey. Known as the original Parish Church for Aberdare.

Many of the old grave headstones have been moved and displayed around the church boundary walls. There must have been thousands of burials in this churchyard, before the 17th Century and the advent of headstones. If you think of just 5 burials a year, multiplied by 800 years, that will mean at least 4,000 graves.

"At the SW corner a crucifix shaped tomb is enclosed behind railings. Gravestones fixed to S chancel wall, one of the earliest of which is to Nathaniel Thomas (died l775). Many other later l8th Century and l9th Century gravestones leaning against the church boundary walls." Text Source: (visit link)

"St John's Church is the original Parish Church of Aberdare. The exact date of the construction of the church is unknown, but strong evidence points to its construction in the last quarter of the Twelfth Century. The year 1189 is the commonly accepted date of its construction, making the Church the oldest building in Aberdare by some 600 years.
The Church as it stands today has not been radically altered from the original medieval building. Of course, in its 800 year history there have inevitably been some alterations. Originally there was probably not a separate Chancel and the Bell-Gable and West Door were added at a later date. A number of original architectural features do remain, most notably the Sutton Stone doorway in the Vestry, which would have been the original entrance, and the Font, which is octagonal in shape and also carved of Sutton Stone." Text Source: (visit link)

Street address:
St John's the Baptist Church.
Green Fach, Aberdare, Cynon Valley, CF44 0SG, Wales

More info and timeline : (visit link)

Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1189 Age of Church building determined by?: Historical Society If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Church in Wales - Episcopal - Anglican. If Church holds a weekly worship service and "all are welcome", please give the day of the week: Sunday Indicate the time that the primary worship service is held. List only one: 9:00 AM Street address of Church: Green Fach, Aberdare, Cynon Valley, CF44 0SG, Wales. UK. Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link] Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link] If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: Not listed

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Date Logged Log User Rating   04/14/2014 veritas vita visited it