Church of St Ilytyd - Ilston - Swansea, Wales, Great Britain.
Posted by: Groundspeak Regular Member veritas vita
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. Located in the tiny village of Ilston, on the Gower Peninsula, Swansea, South Wales.
Waymark Code: WMJ0AK
Location: South Wales, United Kingdom
Date Posted: 09/04/2013
Published By:Groundspeak Charter Member BruceS
Views: 1

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)

Church Web Site: (visit link)
Date the Church was built, dedicated or cornerstone laid: 01/01/1300

Age of Church building determined by?: Church website

If denomination of Church is not part of the name, please provide it here: Church in Wales - Episcopal.

If Church is open to the public, please indicate hours: From: 9:00 AM To: 5:00 PM

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: 9:30 AM

Street address of Church:
Ilston, Swansea, West Glamorgan, Wales.


Primary website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link]

Secondary Website for Church or Historic Church Building: [Web Link]

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veritas vita visited Church of St Ilytyd  - Ilston - Swansea, Wales, Great Britain. 09/13/2013 veritas vita visited it