St Illtud, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan

Visited in July 2024

pacoulmag, wuzmi

• 2 min read
St Illtud, Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan
Probably dating from the time of the Celtic St Illtud, and built during the Norman period, it is one of the most beautiful churches in Wales, also noted by the preacher John Wesley.
The church is close to the sea, and the coast is magnificent.

As usual, Jesse lies asleep, and from him, springs a tree with all his descendants, kings and prophets. He is the oldest known ancestor of Christ. This carved stone dates from 13th C, probably an old window

Royal arms: "God Save King James, 1604", James I, son of Mary Stuart, Queen of Scots

St Christopher and the child, trying to cross a river.(1400)

The font is Norman, carved in Sutton stone, with a scale pattern.

Carved coffin cover inside and slab outside the church, both nicely carved

Man in long tunic holding a glove, 13th C, a lady (16th C), perhaps Joan Hopkins, baby on her shoulder, the sculpture is very elegant.

On the west side of the church, the Galilee Chapel hosts a collection of Celtic stones from 9th to 11th century: at the top, two remains of pillars; below left, the Samson (or Illtud) Cross and on the right, the Houelt cross.

Churchyard high cross, John Wesley was an admirer of this church