St Cynwyd's Church

St Cynwyd's Church stands in Llangynwyd, in Bridgend County Borough, South Wales. It is a historic church with medieval roots and a Grade II* listing from Cadw, which places it among the buildings regarded as particularly important nationally.

Where is the church?

The church sits in the village of Llangynwyd, south of Maesteg, at roughly 51.587 N, 3.651 W. A churchyard enclosed by stone walls surrounds the building, and a path lined with memorials leads to the south porch.

How old is the church?

Tradition links the site with St Cynwyd and a sixth-century foundation. A church is recorded here in 1173. A rebuilding in the 13th century is reported, and fragments of that earlier church are kept in the porch. The present building dates from the 14th century, while the square tower is 15th century.

What did the restorations change?

Work is recorded in 1688 and again in 1891-93. The later restoration was carried out by G. E. Halliday of Cardiff at a cost of 3,000 pounds, paid for by Miss Olive Talbot of Margam Castle. It removed a bridge-style gallery from the nave.

Why did pilgrims come here?

In the medieval period the church was associated with a venerated crucifix. The Crucifixion carving on the rood screen was credited with miraculous powers, drawing pilgrims and inspiring poems from local bards. Today the church appears in listings of British pilgrimage places.

The churchyard legend

According to local tradition, the churchyard holds Ann and Wil, the figures of a Welsh love story connected with the poet Wil Hopcyn. For many visitors this is a reason to stop here.

What else is worth knowing?

The church belongs to the Llangynwyd with Maesteg benefice in the Diocese of Llandaff. Groups of tombs and memorials in the churchyard, and its boundary walls, are separately listed. On a visit, look at the tower, the porch with its older fragments, and the layout of the graveyard.

Frequently asked questions

Is the church a protected building? Yes, it is Grade II* listed by Cadw.

When was the present building constructed? The church dates from the 14th century, the tower from the 15th, and fragments of a 13th-century church survive in the porch.

When was it restored? In 1688 and in 1891-93.

Which legend is tied to the place? The story of Ann and Wil and the poet Wil Hopcyn, linked to the churchyard.

Which diocese does it belong to? The Diocese of Llandaff, within the Llangynwyd with Maesteg benefice.