Church Of St Cattwg

St Cattwg's Church stands in the heart of the village of Llanmaes in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, a few kilometres from the town of Llantwit Major. It is a quiet medieval parish church that shows how village religious life looked along the Welsh coast over many centuries.

Who was St Cattwg?

The church is dedicated to Cattwg, also written Cadoc or Cadog, one of the major Celtic saints of Wales, associated with the nearby monastery at Llancarfan. The dedication points back to Celtic times, but firm records for the site begin only later.

How old is the church?

The present building dates from the 13th century, and the earliest known mention of a church at Llanmaes is from 1254. The tower came later: an inscription above the west door gives the year 1632 and records that the parish and friends paid for it. In 1882 the church received a thorough Victorian renovation overseen by the architect John Prichard, who worked on many churches across Wales.

What to see inside

• A Norman font – a carved stone tub from the 12th century, with a decorated rim.
• A medieval carved screen dividing the chancel from the nave.
• A faded wall painting showing St George slaying the dragon; only parts remain legible, notably the horse and the princess.

John Wesley's sermon

In the churchyard survives the base of an old preaching cross. On 4 April 1749 John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, used it as a pulpit during a visit to Llanmaes. For anyone interested in religious history this is one of the most distinctive details of the site. The churchyard also holds a railed tomb of the Nicholl family and a cross, each with its own heritage listing.

Status and visiting

The church is listed Grade II* (listed 22 February 1963), placing it among buildings of particular importance. It remains an active church of the Church in Wales, part of the Rectorial Benefice of Llantwit Major. As a working parish church, opening times can vary, so it is worth checking with the parish before you go.

Frequently asked questions

Where is St Cattwg's Church? In the centre of Llanmaes, in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales, close to Llantwit Major.

How old is it? The building dates from the 13th century, the tower from 1632, and a major renovation took place in 1882.

Is it a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II* listed.

Why does John Wesley matter here? In 1749 he preached from the cross in the churchyard.

What is the most valuable feature inside? The Norman font, the medieval carved screen and the remains of the St George wall painting.

Llanmaes makes a good stop for visitors to the Vale of Glamorgan who want lesser-known local heritage rather than only the region's headline attractions. A visit takes little time, yet it gives a sense of the long continuity of a Welsh village parish. It pairs well with nearby Llantwit Major, home to other important sites of early Welsh Christianity and a quiet, cliff-lined coast. Walking around the churchyard and the outside of the building lets you notice the stonework details and the layout of the old village.