The Church of St. Illtud, Llantwit Major by Pam and Cled Lewis
28th June 2024
In: News, Members' Articles
Pam and Cled live in the town of Llantwit Major and they have written this article on
The Church of St. Illtud, Llantwit Major
Llantwit Major is situated some twenty miles west of Cardiff, and St. Illtud’s church is situated on the bank of the Ogney Brook.
Llantwit Major has a long history and there are the remains of an Iron Age fort within a 30 minute walk of the town centre. There are also remains of a significant Roman villa within half a mile of the town.
The present church dates from 12th century but the original church was part of a monastery and a university established approximately 500 AD by a Roman Soldier Illtud who became a monk. It is said that St. David and St. Patrick studied at Llantwit Major together with a number of other future saints.
The church has been witness to 500 years of Celtic worship, 500 years of Roman Catholic worship and more than 500 years of Anglican worship; now Church of Wales from 1920.
It is reputed to be the longest parish church in Wales and contains a number of Celtic crosses dating from 800 AD and an altar stone possibly of the Celtic era. The stone was displaced during the reformation and served as a tomb stone until its significance was recognised in about 1895 and it was brought back in to the church and restored to its original purpose.
A fascinating building for photography and well worth a visit if in the area.
Photographic Details: All the photographs, except the general external view of the church, were taken on the Panasonic GX8 using the Leica Panasonic 12 to 60mm f2.8 lens. The general view of the church was taken on the Leica R9 single lens reflex with the DMR back. Five frames were stitched together. That was hard work!
Hidden Gems of The Church of St. Illtud
The Church of St Illtud. Leica R9 DMR - 5 image stitch
The Church of St Illtud. Panasonic GX8 12/60mm f2.8 Leica Panasonic
The Church of St Illtud. Panasonic GX8 12/60mm f2.8 Leica Panasonic
The Church of St Illtud. Panasonic GX8 12/60mm f2.8 Leica Panasonic
The Church of St. Illtud, Llantwit Major
Llantwit Major is situated some twenty miles west of Cardiff, and St. Illtud’s church is situated on the bank of the Ogney Brook.
Llantwit Major has a long history and there are the remains of an Iron Age fort within a 30 minute walk of the town centre. There are also remains of a significant Roman villa within half a mile of the town.
The present church dates from 12th century but the original church was part of a monastery and a university established approximately 500 AD by a Roman Soldier Illtud who became a monk. It is said that St. David and St. Patrick studied at Llantwit Major together with a number of other future saints.
The church has been witness to 500 years of Celtic worship, 500 years of Roman Catholic worship and more than 500 years of Anglican worship; now Church of Wales from 1920.
It is reputed to be the longest parish church in Wales and contains a number of Celtic crosses dating from 800 AD and an altar stone possibly of the Celtic era. The stone was displaced during the reformation and served as a tomb stone until its significance was recognised in about 1895 and it was brought back in to the church and restored to its original purpose.
A fascinating building for photography and well worth a visit if in the area.
Photographic Details: All the photographs, except the general external view of the church, were taken on the Panasonic GX8 using the Leica Panasonic 12 to 60mm f2.8 lens. The general view of the church was taken on the Leica R9 single lens reflex with the DMR back. Five frames were stitched together. That was hard work!
Hidden Gems of The Church of St. Illtud
The Church of St Illtud. Leica R9 DMR - 5 image stitch
The Church of St Illtud. Panasonic GX8 12/60mm f2.8 Leica Panasonic
The Church of St Illtud. Panasonic GX8 12/60mm f2.8 Leica Panasonic
The Church of St Illtud. Panasonic GX8 12/60mm f2.8 Leica Panasonic
Comments
By Ken Davis: Pam and Cled,
you article and photographs tell the story of the church that is obviously still and important part of the community. By Ken Davis: Pam and Cled,
you article and photographs tell the story of the church that is obviously still and important part of the community. By Alan HNumphries: What a history and what a beautiful church in a wonderful setting.
Ken said in his email that the images were excellent, but they really pop.
Well done and thank you Both. By David Askham: Well done, Pam and Cled!. A fine set of images that bring the ancient church alive in modern times. Two pictures stand out for me. The first is the picture hinting at a packed congregation. The second is the 5-image panorama which deserves to be printed six feet wide and exhibited so that a larger number of locals and visitors can enjoy it. (In a public library, prominent cafe/restaurant, or central hotel foyer?)