Sacred Monuments in the United Kingdom

Motherwell Cathedral

Motherwell

Motherwell Cathedral is a Roman Catholic church on Coursington Road in the town of Motherwell, North Lanarkshire, Scotland. Dedicated to Our Lady of Good Aid, it serves as the mother church of the Diocese of Motherwell. What is Motherwell Cathedral? It is the seat of the Bishop of Motherwell and the principal church of the whole diocese. The building began life as an ordinary parish church and was raised to cathedral rank in 1948, when the Diocese of Motherwell was created. Today it combines both roles: a place of regular worship for parishioners and the focal point of diocesan life. When and by whom was it built? The church opened on 9 December 1900. It was designed by the firm Pugin & Pugin, known for Gothic Revival buildings across Britain. Construction ran from about 1899 to 1900, with the design dating to around 1898. The building holds Category B listed status in Scotland. What does the building look like? The cathedral is a Gothic Revival church on a basilica plan, built of red sandstone and fronted by a gabled facade. The red stone sets it apart from the surrounding townscape and gives the exterior a warm tone. Inside, the long nave leads the eye toward the sanctuary. What can you see inside? The interior originally had a high altar and two side altars, along with rich ornamental decoration. A re-ordering of the sanctuary in 1984 removed the altars and much of that ornament. Not everything was lost, though. Original Pugin & Pugin woodwork survives, including the pews, along with some of the original tiling in the baptistry. The music is another highlight. The organ was renovated in 2008. It has four manuals and is the largest organ in any Roman Catholic church in the west of Scotland. If you can attend a service or concert, it is worth hearing in person. How to find it and when to visit The cathedral stands on Coursington Road in Motherwell, at roughly 55.7913 N, 3.9871 W. As a working church it is open mainly around its liturgy, so plan your visit around Mass times. During services keep quiet and avoid photographing worshippers. Frequently asked questions Is Motherwell Cathedral a working church? Yes. Services are held there, and it is also the main church of the diocese. When did it open? On 9 December 1900. It became a cathedral in 1948. Who designed it? The firm Pugin & Pugin, in the Gothic Revival style. Are original features still inside? Yes: the pews and other original woodwork, plus part of the baptistry tiling. The altars and much of the decoration were removed in 1984. What is special about the organ? It has four manuals and is the largest in any Roman Catholic church in the west of Scotland.

Church of All Saints

Porthcawl

Church of All Saints in Porthcawl is a Grade II listed Anglican church in the middle of this South Wales seaside town. It is a Late Gothic building of red sandstone, put up just before the First World War, and it stands on a corner site close to the town's main shopping street. Where is the Church of All Saints in Porthcawl? The church sits in the centre of Porthcawl, just north-west of St John's Street, the main shopping thoroughfare. The surrounding streets were built up in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as the town grew into a seaside resort, and the church belongs to that period of expansion. It is surrounded by a churchyard that is not used for burials. The church is recorded as being on Victoria Avenue, in the Diocese of Llandaff. Coordinates are roughly 51.4795, -3.7059. What is the history of All Saints in Porthcawl? The present building is the third home of the congregation. The first All Saints was founded beside the harbour in 1866 and also worked as a school. Later a large tin tabernacle was erected on the site of today's church; sources give 1892 or 1899 for its date. It served as a temporary church until a permanent building could be afforded. The permanent church was designed in 1909 by George Halliday, architect to the Diocese of Llandaff. It was built between 1912 and 1914, paid for by subscription, at a cost of £9,750. Wikipedia describes it as a daughter church of St John's in Newton. What does the church look like? The style is Late Gothic, executed in red sandstone with ashlar dressings. The plan included a tower at the south-east corner, but it was never built, which gives the building a more modest outline than its designers intended. In the 1960s a Lady Chapel and a choir vestry were added, designed by Trevor Roderick. The east window, installed in 1927, is by the stained-glass artist Karl Parsons. Why is it listed? Cadw, the Welsh historic environment service, gave the church Grade II status on 27 February 1992 (Cadw ID 11372). The listing recognises it as a well-preserved example of early 20th-century church architecture in a Welsh seaside town. Visiting tips The church is within easy walking distance of the shops and the seafront, so it fits well into a stroll around central Porthcawl. The exterior and the churchyard can be viewed from the street; check locally for service times and opening hours before planning to go inside. Look for the red sandstone walls and the place where the unbuilt tower would have stood. Frequently asked questions When was the Church of All Saints in Porthcawl built? It was built between 1912 and 1914 to a design drawn up in 1909. Who designed it? George Halliday, Diocesan Architect for Llandaff. The 1960s Lady Chapel is by Trevor Roderick. Is it a listed building? Yes, Grade II, listed in 1992. Is the churchyard used for burials? No, it is not used for burial. Who made the east window? Karl Parsons, in 1927.

Church of St Francis de Sales

Sevenoaks

Church of St Francis de Sales in Hartley, near Sevenoaks in Kent, is a Catholic church set inside an old thatched timber barn. It is a small, unusual place of worship in the Kent countryside, and it is also the home of a long-standing Marian shrine. What is the building? The church occupies a barn that once belonged to Middle Farm. It is an aisled timber structure of three bays under a thatched roof, dated to the 17th century. It is listed Grade II, and together with the tithe barn it is one of the only surviving parts of the former farm. A later extension was added in 1985. The rustic outline, with its deep thatch, makes it look more like a farm building than a church, which is a large part of its charm. How did a barn become a church? In 1913 the barn was bought by Miss Beatrice Davies-Cooke, who converted it into a chapel for a rural Catholic mission. The first Mass was celebrated on 17 April 1913, and the Bishop of Southwark blessed the building that September. Priests were in short supply in the area, so she arranged for clergy from different parts of the diocese, many of them from religious orders, to come and serve the chapel. What is the Shrine of Our Lady of Hartley? During the First World War, refugees were accommodated in farm buildings close to the chapel. This drew the attention of Pope Benedict XV, who gave the place the title "Our Lady of Hartley" and attached a plenary indulgence for visitors who prayed for peace in Europe. A Belgian statue of the Virgin Mary became the focal point of the shrine. Pilgrims still come here, and the parish marked 100 years of the title in 2021. Why visit? It is one of only two thatched Catholic churches in England, according to the parish. It combines rural architecture with a story linked to the First World War. It is a quiet stop for anyone exploring the villages around Sevenoaks. Practical information The church stands on Church Road in Hartley (postcode DA3 8DW) and is an active parish, so services take place regularly. Please be respectful during worship. Maintaining a thatched roof is expensive, and the parish welcomes donations. Frequently asked questions Is the Church of St Francis de Sales really in a barn? Yes. The building is a converted barn dated to the 17th century, adapted as a chapel in 1913. Is it a listed building? Yes, it has Grade II listed status. Why is it called Our Lady of Hartley? Pope Benedict XV used this title for the shrine during the First World War, linking the place with prayers for peace in Europe. Is it still in use? Yes, it is a working Catholic parish church with regular services. Where exactly is it? In Hartley, a village near Sevenoaks, Kent, on Church Road. Can I donate to its upkeep? Yes, the parish accepts donations towards looking after the historic thatched building.

North Western Reform Synagogue

Londyn

North Western Reform Synagogue, known to almost everyone as Alyth, is a Reform Jewish congregation and synagogue in Temple Fortune, Golders Green, in the London Borough of Barnet, north-west London. Its building dates from the 1930s and the community remains one of the largest Reform congregations in the United Kingdom. Where is Alyth and how do you get there? The synagogue stands at Alyth Gardens in Temple Fortune, a suburban district at the northern edge of Golders Green. The area lies in north-west London, in the Borough of Barnet, on the approach to Hoop Lane. The coordinates are roughly 51.579 N, 0.196 W. Temple Fortune is a residential neighbourhood with a local shopping parade, so a visit fits easily into a day exploring Golders Green and the surrounding Jewish districts of north London. When was the synagogue founded and built? The congregation was founded in 1933. The building was completed in 1936 to a design by the architect Fritz Landauer. It is a good example of 1930s synagogue architecture in suburban London, created when the capital's Jewish population was moving steadily north-westward. The site has an unusual history. The land was taken from the cemetery section of the West London Synagogue on Hoop Lane. Releasing it for building purposes required a private members' bill to be passed in Parliament, a detail that shows how carefully the transfer of burial ground had to be handled. Why is Alyth important in British Reform Judaism? Alyth was the first Reform synagogue formed in London since the founding of the West London Synagogue in 1840. That older congregation acted as its parent, and the link between the two is visible even in the land on which Alyth stands. The congregation was also a founding member, in 1942, of the movement now known as the Movement for Reform Judaism. On 1 January 2026 that movement merged into the Movement for Progressive Judaism, and Alyth became one of its constituent communities. Who led the congregation? Early ministers shaped its character. Rabbi Solomon Elihu Starrels served as minister from 1933 until 1938. Rabbi Dr Werner Van der Zyl was senior minister from 1943 until 1958, a period in which the community grew alongside the wider Reform movement in Britain. How big is the community? Alyth has roughly 2,500 adult and 1,000 child members, which places it among the largest Reform synagogues in the country. It is a working place of worship and community life rather than a museum, so visitors should treat it as such. Frequently asked questions What does Alyth mean? Alyth is the everyday name of the North Western Reform Synagogue, taken from the street name Alyth Gardens where it stands. Who designed the building? The architect was Fritz Landauer, and the building was completed in 1936. Which movement does it belong to? It is a Reform congregation and, since 1 January 2026, a constituent community of the Movement for Progressive Judaism. Is it a tourist attraction? It is an active synagogue. Anyone wishing to see the interior should contact the community in advance and respect services and security arrangements. What else is nearby? Temple Fortune and Golders Green offer shops, cafes and several other religious and community buildings, making the area a natural stop for those interested in the history of Jewish London.

Church of Saint Ismael

The Church of Saint Ismael is the Grade II listed parish church of Uzmaston, a village in Pembrokeshire, south-west Wales, right beside Haverfordwest. It stands in a prominent position between the estuary of the Cleddau Wen and the village itself, so it is easy to spot from surrounding lanes and paths. Where is the Church of Saint Ismael? The church is in Uzmaston, a small settlement near Haverfordwest, the main town of central Pembrokeshire. Its coordinates are roughly 51.791 N, 4.946 W. The surroundings are quiet farmland beside the Cleddau waterways, the network of tidal rivers that runs through the county. Who was Saint Ismael? The dedication is to Ismael, a 6th-century Welsh bishop linked with the Rhos area of Pembrokeshire. His name also appears in Welsh as Isfael. Dedications to early Christian saints are common in Wales and often signal that a place of worship has very old roots. What is the building like, and what is its history? The present church is the product of a long sequence of changes. The medieval stone church had a Gothic character, and a tower was added late in the Middle Ages or in the early modern period. The tower is among the oldest surviving parts and gives the building its distinctive profile. A thorough Victorian rebuild began in 1870. Over several years the eastern parts of the chancel walls, the nave and the south transept were pulled down and rebuilt on the old foundations. The first architect died during the project and E. H. Lingen Barker completed it. Surviving from the earlier church are the tower, a section of the east walls of the north aisle, a hagioscope (a squint) linking the tower and chancel, three 15th-century windows, a few corbels, and a Norman font with a stoup. Further conservation work followed in 1991-92 and in 1999. The building is well kept and still serves its community. What is worth seeing? the tower, the oldest element of the church, the Norman font, which predates the Victorian rebuild, the 15th-century windows, the views of the village and the Cleddau Wen estuary from around the church. Frequently asked questions Is the Church of Saint Ismael a listed building? Yes, it is listed Grade II. Who is the church dedicated to? Saint Ismael, a 6th-century Welsh bishop associated with Rhos. Is the church old? Yes. The tower and some details are medieval, and the Norman font is older still. Most of the walls date from the Victorian rebuild after 1870. How do I get there? Uzmaston lies next to Haverfordwest, so the easiest way is by car or bike from the town. Check opening arrangements first, as small parish churches often have limited visiting hours. Is there an entry fee? Parish churches in Wales are usually free to enter, with voluntary donations welcome. The Church of Saint Ismael is a good stop for anyone interested in Welsh church architecture, the history of Pembrokeshire, and quiet places away from the main tourist routes.

St Margaret's Well

Oksford

St Margaret's Well is a historic well with an arch and steps in Binsey, on the western edge of Oxford, right beside the village church. It joins a medieval legend about the city's patron saint with a link to Lewis Carroll's "Alice in Wonderland". Where is St Margaret's Well? The well stands in the village of Binsey, west of central Oxford (Oxfordshire, postcode area OX2), next to St Margaret's church. Its coordinates are roughly 51.769 N, 1.298 W. The route from the city follows quiet lanes beside Port Meadow, so a visit pairs well with a walk along the Thames. What legend surrounds the spring? Tradition credits the spring to St Frideswide, patron saint of Oxford. In the story she fled a Mercian prince who wanted to marry her and took refuge in Binsey, where she lived for three years working as a swineherd. Her prayer to St Margaret of Antioch brought forth a spring near the west end of the church. Its water restored the sight of her pursuer after he was struck blind. This is traditional lore rather than documented history, and sources vary on the details. Why did pilgrims come here? After the saint's death, her Oxford monastery looked after the site and sent pilgrims there to seek relief from minor ailments. Later lore credited the water with helping eye complaints and women who struggled to conceive. The medieval wellhouse was pulled down in 1639 and the spring was abandoned. What does the well look like today? The present structure dates from a 19th-century restoration. An 1893 account by Robert Charles Hope describes an inscription recording the restoration by a local vicar, T. J. Prout. The well is a Grade II listed structure, described as a well with arch and steps. What is the link to Alice in Wonderland? A popular interpretation holds that the Treacle Well in Lewis Carroll's book was inspired by the Binsey spring. Carroll was closely tied to Oxford, and a tale of a well full of stories fits a local place of healing. Do pilgrimages still take place? Yes. At least one pilgrimage is held every year on the eve of St Margaret's feast day. At other times the site is quiet, and the area around the well and church tends to feel contemplative. Frequently asked questions Is this the same St Margaret's Well as the one in Edinburgh? No. A different well with the same name sits in Holyrood Park in Edinburgh. This one is in Binsey, near Oxford. Is there an entry fee? The well stands in an open village setting beside the church and needs no ticket. How long should I allow? Seeing the well and church takes about 20 to 30 minutes. With the walk across Port Meadow, plan half a day. Is it a genuine healing spring? It is a site of historical and legendary significance. Tradition speaks of cures, but there is no evidence for them.

Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady and St Hubert, and Attached Presbytery

Hyndburn

Roman Catholic Church of Our Lady and St Hubert in Great Harwood, Lancashire, is a Victorian Gothic Revival church that has stood at the heart of the town's Catholic community since the late 1850s. Together with its attached presbytery it forms a protected group in the borough of Hyndburn, and it ranks among the more architecturally significant churches in the area. Who designed the church and when was it built? The church dates from 1857–9 and is attributed to Edward Welby Pugin, one of the best-known Catholic church architects of his generation. Local heritage research also credits James Murray as a co-architect, a detail missing from the official listing text. The mission in Great Harwood began in 1857, and the first masses were said in an ordinary cottage in Queen Street before the permanent church was ready. Who paid for it? The building was funded by James Lomax of Clayton Hall. His generosity went beyond the church itself: he also paid for the presbytery, the school and a parish hall, giving the new parish a complete set of buildings. Lomax and his wife are buried in a vault beneath the Lady Chapel, so the benefactor rests inside the church he made possible. What does the building look like? The walls are rock-faced sandstone with smoother ashlar dressings, topped by a steep slate roof. The plan is typical of Pugin's ecclesiastical work: a steeple at the west end, aisles running into the transepts, and an apsidal chancel with a Lady Chapel attached. The style is the so-called Middle Pointed phase of Gothic, which draws on the architecture of the 13th and 14th centuries. The tower and spire rise to about 117 feet (some 35 metres), making the church a landmark that can be picked out across the surrounding streets. The church also sits within a large burial ground, which adds to its presence in the townscape. What is inside? Visitors with an interest in church interiors will find a good deal to look at. The stained glass is by Hardman, the famous Birmingham firm that supplied many Catholic churches of the period. The high altar and reredos are the work of William Farmer, and a fine hanging rood draws the eye in the nave. The pipe organ has an interesting history of its own: it came from the Anglican church of St John, which has since been demolished. Is it a listed building? Yes. The church and the attached presbytery are listed together at Grade II*, the second-highest category in England's national listing system and one reserved for particularly important buildings. The listing was made in 1984. Frequently asked questions Where is the church? In Great Harwood, in the Hyndburn district of Lancashire, England. Who was the architect? Edward Welby Pugin, with James Murray named as co-architect in local heritage records. Can I see the interior? The church is an active place of worship, so the best approach is to check parish notices for service times and opening arrangements before visiting. Is it worth a visit? For anyone interested in Victorian architecture, Pugin's work or stained glass, it is one of the most rewarding stops in Great Harwood.

Church of St Wilfrid

Ribble Valley

Church of St Wilfrid is a Roman Catholic church on Derby Road in Longridge, a small town in the Ribble Valley, Lancashire. It is a Grade II listed Gothic Revival building from the 1880s, and its stone spire is one of the landmarks of the town centre. What is the story of St Wilfrid's in Longridge? Catholic worship in Longridge began in a school-chapel on Pitt Street, built in 1867-69. As the congregation grew, plans for a proper church were drawn up in 1878 by William Withnell, an architect from Preston. A local parish history gives a different name, a Mr Hughes of Preston, so the attribution of the design is not settled. The new church opened in July 1886 under the Bishop of Salford. It was built without a tower because money had run short. The missing parts were added in 1908-09: the tower with its spire, the porch and the baptistery. With the spire in place, the church took on the silhouette that now rises above the surrounding streets and forms an important part of the townscape in the local conservation area. What does the building look like? According to the Historic England listing, the church has a tall nave with a clerestory, a lower chancel ending in a polygonal apse, an east porch and a north-east tower. The tower carries an octagonal stone spire and is lit by lancet windows, the narrow pointed openings typical of the Gothic Revival. One detail surprises visitors who know church plans: the apse stands at the west end rather than the traditional east. The porch is at the east end, so you enter from the opposite side to what many older churches would suggest. What is inside? The listing describes the interior as being of little architectural interest, yet it has pleasant features: arcades on round columns and an open timber roof above the nave. The furnishings tell the story of the parish over the decades: the oak pulpit, dated 1881-88 the Stations of the Cross, from 1895 the high altar and reredos, from 1900 a carved oak chair dated 1631 the head of a brass processional cross said to predate the Reformation Who was St Wilfrid? The church is named after Wilfrid, a seventh-century bishop of Northumbria and one of the best-known saints of northern England. His name is borne by many churches across Lancashire, Yorkshire, Cheshire and the Midlands, so make sure you have the Longridge church in mind when searching, as several parishes share the dedication, including one in nearby Ribchester. Visiting tips The church stands on Derby Road, within easy walking distance of Longridge's shops and cafes. The spire is visible from many points in town, which makes it a handy landmark for finding your way. Longridge is a good base for walks into the Ribble Valley and the Forest of Bowland, so a stop at the church fits naturally into a day out in the area. Check the parish for service times if you wish to see the interior, as access depends on worship and local arrangements. Frequently asked questions When was St Wilfrid's in Longridge built? The church opened in July 1886. The tower, spire, porch and baptistery were added in 1908-09. Is the church listed? Yes, it is Grade II listed by Historic England. Who designed it? Plans were drawn in 1878 by William Withnell of Preston, although one parish history names a Mr Hughes of Preston. What denomination is it? It is a Roman Catholic church.

Trinity Chapel Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Chapel

Swansea

Trinity Chapel Welsh Calvinistic Methodist Chapel is a Welsh-language chapel in the Sketty district of Swansea, in south Wales. It now serves as a Presbyterian church, and the building is protected as a Grade II listed structure. Where does the Trinity congregation come from? The congregation goes back to the end of the 18th century. Its roots lie in a split at Mynyddbach Chapel in 1799. A small chapel at Greenhill passed to the Calvinistic Methodists in 1802, and in 1829 a much larger church of the same name opened in central Swansea, on what became Park Street. Some records place the first building as early as 1793, with rebuilding in 1829 and again in 1888. What happened during the war? The Park Street chapel was destroyed on 22 February 1941, during the bombing of Swansea in the Second World War. The congregation carried on, and in time chose to rebuild on a different site rather than in the ruined town centre. Why is the chapel in Sketty today? A building committee was formed in 1951 to find a new site close to the schoolroom on Glanmor Park Road, Sketty. The Glanmor Sunday School had been put up by the chapel in 1925, so the new church was built right beside it. Work began in 1953 and the chapel opened in 1955. Coflein, the Welsh heritage record, gives 1954 for the building, so you will see both dates in different descriptions. Who designed it? The design came from the Swansea office of Percy Thomas and Son. Norman Thomas was the lead designer, assisted by Howell Mendus. It is a good example of post-war church architecture in Wales, created to replace a place of worship lost in the bombing. Heritage status Cadw, the Welsh historic environment service, designated the chapel Grade II in March 2021. The listing describes it as a Welsh-language former Calvinistic Methodist chapel, now a Welsh Presbyterian church. Frequently asked questions Where is the chapel? In Sketty, Swansea, near Glanmor Park Road. The coordinates are roughly 51.6189 N, 3.9778 W. Is it a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II listed. Is this the original 19th-century chapel? No. The earlier church on Park Street was destroyed in 1941, and the present building dates from the mid-1950s. What language is used by the congregation? It is a Welsh-language community within the Presbyterian tradition of Wales. Are there archives about the church? Yes. The West Glamorgan Archive Service holds church records from 1928 to 2016 under reference D/D CM 23. Who will enjoy a visit? The chapel suits anyone interested in post-war architecture, Welsh nonconformist history or the story of Swansea's wartime losses. It pairs well with a look at other places of worship in the city, showing how communities rebuilt their religious life after 1941. Sketty is a quiet, leafy district west of the centre, so a stop here fits easily into a walk around the area.

Finchley Progressive Synagogue

Londyn

Finchley Progressive Synagogue, London Finchley Progressive Synagogue is a Liberal Jewish congregation and place of worship in North Finchley, in the London Borough of Barnet. It stands on Hutton Grove and is one of the established communities of Progressive Judaism in north London. For visitors interested in the religious and social history of the capital's suburbs, it offers a look at how a congregation grew from a handful of families meeting in borrowed rooms into a community with its own purpose-built home. Where is it? The synagogue is in North Finchley, in the north of Greater London, within the Borough of Barnet. The building sits on Hutton Grove, a residential street close to the North Finchley high street area. The location makes it easy to combine a visit with a walk around this part of Barnet. How did the congregation begin? The community was founded in 1953 as the Finchley Liberal Jewish Congregation. In its early years it had no building of its own. Members gathered in North Finchley Library, in private houses and at Moss Hall School, and some accounts also mention Christ Church and St. Mary's as places used before a permanent home was ready. When was the synagogue built? The current synagogue building dates from 1964. After 1971 the congregation became known as Finchley Progressive Synagogue. The hall is recorded as holding around 350 people, which gives a sense of the scale of the community that built it. Who has led the community? The congregation's rabbinic history is well documented: Frank Hellner, an American-born rabbi, led the community from 1966 until his retirement on 31 December 1999, serving as its only rabbi for 33 years. Mark Goldsmith served from 1999 to 2006. Neil Janes followed, serving from around 2006 to 2010. Rebecca Birk has been rabbi since 2011. What kind of community is it? Finchley Progressive Synagogue is part of Liberal Judaism and has a membership of roughly 350 families. On 23 December 2014 it was incorporated as a registered company, and it operates as a registered charity. Practical tips for visitors This is an active place of worship, not a museum. Contact the congregation in advance if you would like to visit, and respect services and community events. Dress modestly and behave quietly when inside. Check current opening and service times with the synagogue directly, as they vary. Frequently asked questions Is Finchley Progressive Synagogue Orthodox? No. It is a Liberal, or Progressive, Jewish congregation. When was it founded? The community was founded in 1953, and the present building was completed in 1964. Where exactly is it? On Hutton Grove in North Finchley, in the London Borough of Barnet. How many people belong to it? Membership is around 350 families. Who is the current rabbi? Rebecca Birk, who has held the post since 2011.

Soar Y Mynydd Chapel

Soar y Mynydd Chapel is a tiny Calvinistic Methodist chapel in the hills of Ceredigion, Wales, in the Llanddewi Brefi area south-west of the market town of Tregaron. It is often called the remotest chapel in Wales, and a visit makes it easy to see why: the nearest buildings are far away and the approach is along narrow lanes through empty uplands. Where is Soar y Mynydd? The chapel stands in upland country in the heart of Wales, close to 52.164 N, 3.778 W. The surroundings are open grazing, river valleys and abandoned farmsteads. Llanddewi Brefi is the nearest village and Tregaron the nearest town of any size. Bring an offline map, as phone signal can be patchy. What does the name mean? In Welsh, "Soar y Mynydd" means roughly "Zoar of the mountain". The name refers to the biblical town of Zoar, where Lot took refuge in the Book of Genesis. For hill farmers in the far-off valleys, the chapel was a symbolic place of shelter. How did the chapel come about? It was built in the early nineteenth century at the initiative of Ebenezer Richards, a minister from Tregaron, together with a group of trustees. It was meant for shepherd families living in remote upper valleys, for whom the journey to a town church took too long. Sources give different dates for construction, from 1803 to the 1820s, so the safest description is the early 1800s. Richards was also the father of Henry Richard, the well-known Welsh politician and peace campaigner. What does the building look like? The chapel is plain and unadorned. It is built of local stone that, according to descriptions, was gathered from riverbeds and from the ruins of nearby farms. The interior is simple, with a pulpit and pews. A painted scroll above the pulpit reads "Duw cariad yw" ("God is love") and dates from 1911. The building is protected as a listed structure. A school as well as a chapel For many years the building also served as a school for children from the surrounding farms, with lessons held here until the 1940s. It shows how central the chapel was to a scattered hill community. The winter of 1947 and the fight to survive Membership dropped sharply after the harsh winter of 1947. Snowstorms killed large numbers of sheep and many families left the hills. By 1950 the congregation had only about ten members. In the late 1960s and early 1970s the chapel faced closure, but it was reopened for services in 1973. Are services still held here? Yes. Services at Soar y Mynydd are still conducted in Welsh. They were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed in May 2022. If you want to see the inside, check dates beforehand, since this is a working place of worship rather than a museum. Frequently asked questions Is it really the remotest chapel in Wales? That is how it is commonly described. It is a popular label rather than an official title, but the setting in the upland wilderness supports it well. Do I need to speak Welsh? Not to see the building from outside and enjoy the landscape. Services, however, are held in Welsh. Who is this place for? Anyone who enjoys quiet, hill walking, rural Welsh history or landscape photography. There is no tourist infrastructure here, so bring your own water and food. When is the best time to visit? Late spring and summer, when the roads are safest. In winter, the hills in this part of Wales can be cut off by snow, as the story of 1947 reminds us. Why visit? Soar y Mynydd shows how faith, farming and community came together in one building. A small stone chapel in the middle of the hills, which survived depopulation and years of uncertainty, tells the story of rural Wales better than many guidebooks. It makes a good stop on a trip through the Cambrian Mountains if you are looking for silence and places far from the crowds.

Drive Methodist Church, Reading Room, Former School-Chapel, And Wall, Gateposts And Railings

Lytham St Annes

Drive Methodist Church, Reading Room, Former School-Chapel, And Wall, Gateposts And Railings is a Grade II listed Methodist complex in St Annes-on-the-Sea, part of Lytham St Annes on the Fylde coast of Lancashire, England. Its long official name covers several parts of one site: the church, a reading room, the original school-chapel, and the boundary wall, gateposts and railings. Where is it? The complex stands on the corner of Clifton Road South and Eastbank Road, on the town's main thoroughfare, The Drive. The coordinates are 53.748336, -3.030106. Historic England notes that the church contributes to the street scene along this route, so you can see it while walking through the town centre. What is the history of the site? The oldest building is the school-chapel of 1877, designed by Maxwell and Tuke of Bury. It soon proved too small for the congregation. The present church was therefore built between 1890 and 1893 to designs by Herbert Isitt. In 1901 a reading room was attached to the east face of the original chapel; its architect is unknown. Taken together, the buildings were put up between 1877 and 1901, with some later alterations. What does it look like? The church and the reading room are built of coursed yellow sandstone under green slate roofs. The school-chapel is different: it is red brick with stone dressings. This mix of materials shows the stages of construction at a glance. Inside the reading room are stained glass, timber panelling and a hammer-beam roof. The wall, gateposts and railings around the site are part of the listing. They frame the complex at the street edge. Why is it listed? Historic England listed the complex at Grade II on 8 March 2010 (list entry 1393722). The listing describes it as a good example of Nonconformist church design and as a focal point of Methodist life in St Annes. The listing also values the group as a whole, not just the main church building. Frequently asked questions Is it a listed building? Yes. It has been Grade II listed since 8 March 2010. Who designed it? Maxwell and Tuke of Bury designed the school-chapel. Herbert Isitt designed the church. The reading room's architect is unknown. When was it built? The school-chapel dates from 1877, the church from 1890-93 and the reading room from 1901. What is it made of? Yellow sandstone and green slate for the church and reading room; red brick with stone dressings for the school-chapel. Where can I find it? On The Drive, at the corner of Clifton Road South and Eastbank Road in St Annes-on-the-Sea. Visiting tips The exterior is easy to see from the pavement. Walk around the corner to compare the sandstone church with the red-brick school-chapel and to look at the railings and gateposts. Because the site sits in the centre of St Annes, it combines well with a walk along the town's main streets and towards the seafront.

St Martin's Church

St Martin's Church is an Anglican church on Albany Road in the Roath district of Cardiff, Wales. Designed by architect F. R. Kempson, this Neo-Gothic building dates from the turn of the 20th century and belongs to the Church in Wales (Diocese of Llandaff). Its story includes a dramatic chapter: it was gutted by fire in the Second World War and later rebuilt. How did St Martin's in Roath begin? Cardiff grew rapidly in the 19th century, driven by the coal export boom. Thousands of workers moved to the city, and new housing and churches followed. As the Anglican population of Roath grew, a first church was licensed on the site in November 1886: a simple building of wood and iron. It was far too small for the growing congregation. A permanent Neo-Gothic church was built to replace it. Work began in 1897 or 1899, depending on the account, and the building was consecrated on 20 October 1901. Two years later, in 1903, the congregation became a parish in its own right. What happened during the war? The most dramatic moment came on 26 February 1941. During an air raid on Cardiff, an incendiary bomb struck the church, and the resulting fire destroyed one of the most elaborate church interiors in South Wales. Of the original furnishings, only the Calvary, a sculpted crucifixion group on the north wall near the Holy Cross Chapel, survived. Rebuilding took years. A faculty for restoration was issued in July 1951, and the church was reconsecrated on 17 December 1955. For the people of Roath it marked the end of a long and difficult period. What is the church like today? St Martin's belongs to the Anglo-Catholic tradition within the Church in Wales. That means a rich style of liturgy and a strong emphasis on sacramental heritage, which sets it apart from plainer Protestant congregations. The parish remains active, and the building still serves as the local parish church. What to look for The Neo-Gothic structure by Kempson, typical of Victorian and Edwardian church architecture in Cardiff. The Calvary on the north wall, the only part of the original furnishings to survive the fire. The Holy Cross Chapel, next to where the Calvary stands. The Albany Road surroundings, which show the character of Roath, developed during the coal boom. Frequently asked questions Where is St Martin's Church? On Albany Road in Roath, in the eastern part of Cardiff, Wales. When was it consecrated? Originally on 20 October 1901. After the wartime destruction it was reconsecrated on 17 December 1955. Who designed the church? Architect F. R. Kempson, in the Neo-Gothic style. What did the 1941 fire destroy? Most of the interior, regarded as one of the most elaborate in South Wales. Only the Calvary on the north wall survived. Which church does the parish belong to? The Church in Wales, in the Diocese of Llandaff. The congregation is Anglo-Catholic in character. Is it worth a visit? Yes, if you are interested in Cardiff's history, Victorian architecture and the city's experience of the Second World War. The church shows how a local community rebuilt its place of worship after a wartime loss.

Keills Chapel

Keills Chapel is a small medieval chapel in the west Highlands of Scotland, in Argyll and Bute. It sits on the Knapdale peninsula, close to the village of Tayvallich, and is often described as one of the best-kept secrets of the region. It appeals to anyone interested in early Christianity, carved stone and Scottish history. What is Keills Chapel? The building dates from the late 12th century and is dedicated to St Cormac. Today it works as a small indoor stone museum. The chapel was re-roofed in 1978 so that it could shelter the collection of carved stones found around the site. Old grave slabs and crosses can now be seen under cover, away from the weather. What is inside? The collection holds almost forty carved stones, dating from the 8th to the 16th century. They include: fragments of a second early Christian cross, four cross-decorated grave slabs from the early period, later West Highland grave slabs. One slab shows a harp and carries Latin inscriptions, which translate as "O'Cuinn had me made" and "Here lies ... and Allan his son". What is the Keills Cross? The most important piece is the Keills Cross, about two metres tall and made of blue-grey slate. Only one face is carved. The shaft has panels of spirals, animals and key-pattern interlace. On the crosshead is a robed figure holding a book in one hand and raising the other in blessing, flanked by lions. On the upper arm, St Michael slays a dragon. Historic Environment Scotland dates the cross to the 8th century and links it to a craftsman from Iona. Its central boss has a parallel on the Kildalton Cross on Islay. Other sources give dates from the late 7th to the early 9th century, so the dating remains debated. Where did the cross originally stand? Its original location is uncertain. It is not mentioned in a survey of the site from the 1830s, and excavation around its base in the graveyard suggested it had been set up there relatively recently. Since 1979 the cross has stood inside the chapel. Planning a visit The chapel lies in a quiet rural setting near Loch Sween, with Tayvallich as the nearest village. Coordinates are roughly 55.963 N, 5.703 W. It makes a good stop on a tour of Argyll for visitors who prefer historic sites away from the crowds. Frequently asked questions Where is Keills Chapel? In Knapdale, Argyll and Bute, in the west Highlands, near the village of Tayvallich. How old is the chapel? It dates from the late 12th century, and it houses stones from the 8th to the 16th century. What is the main highlight? The early medieval Keills Cross, richly carved on one face.

Church of St William of York

Londyn

The Church of St William of York in Stanmore, on the north-western edge of London, is a Roman Catholic parish church built in the mid-twentieth century. It stands on Du Cros Drive in the borough of Harrow and is a Grade II listed building, the second tier of heritage protection in England. It suits anyone interested in post-war church architecture and in the history of Catholicism in London's suburbs. How did the parish begin? The parish of St William of York was founded in 1938 and grew out of a Dominican mission. At first there was no church of its own. On weekdays Mass was said in the chapel of the nearby Dominican sisters' convent, and on Sundays in the hall of the neighbouring St Thomas's school. That bond with the Dominican sisters remains part of the parish's identity today. Why did the building take so long? The Du Cros Drive site was bought for a church in 1939, but the war and the building restrictions that followed delayed the project. Work could only begin after building licences ended in 1954. A house for the parish priest was built first, in 1955. Construction of the church itself started on 5 October 1959, and the foundation stone was laid on 7 June 1960. The church was completed around 1960 and registered for worship the following year. Who designed it? The architect was Hector O. Corfiato, born in France and working in Britain. The builders were C. P. Roberts and Co. of Holborn, London. The church belongs to the era before the reforms of the Second Vatican Council, and heritage descriptions stress that it has survived little altered, which makes it a valuable example of its period. What to know before visiting This is a working church, so plan around service times and keep noise down. The sanctuary holds icons of St William of York and St Catherine of Siena, reflecting the parish's Dominican roots. The surroundings are a quiet, green suburb, so a visit pairs well with a walk around Stanmore. Frequently asked questions Who was St William of York? A medieval Archbishop of York, and the patron of the parish and church. Is the church a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II listed, a status given to buildings of special architectural or historic interest. When was the present church built? Between 1959 and 1960, to a design by Hector O. Corfiato. What is the link with the Dominicans? The parish grew from a Dominican mission, and its first services took place in the chapel of the Dominican sisters' convent. Where exactly is it? On Du Cros Drive in Stanmore, in the London Borough of Harrow. Can visitors go inside? It is an active parish church, so it is best to visit outside service times or to attend a service.

St Mary's Church, Fleetwood

Fleetwood

St Mary's Church in Fleetwood is an active Roman Catholic church on Kemp Street in Fleetwood, a seaside town in Lancashire, north-west England. It was designed by Edward Welby Pugin and built in 1866–67. The building is protected as a Grade II listed structure. Who designed St Mary's Church in Fleetwood? The architect was E. W. Pugin, a figure in the British Gothic Revival who designed numerous Catholic churches across England in the nineteenth century. In Fleetwood his work appears at parish scale rather than cathedral scale, a modest but carefully handled example of Victorian church architecture. When and how was it built? The foundation stone was laid in May 1866, and Bishop Goss opened the finished church in November 1867. The builder was T. A. Drummond of Fleetwood, and the cost was about £4,000. A few accounts give 1867–68 as the construction dates, so small discrepancies exist between sources, but the official listing record states 1866–67. What does the building look like? The walls are of rock-faced stone, with smoothly cut ashlar used for the dressings. The east end finishes in a polygonal apse. This pairing of rough and smooth textures is typical of Victorian Gothic Revival work and gives the church a sturdy yet orderly appearance. What is inside? The interior includes additions made in later decades. While Fr J. Cotton was parish priest (1919–1934), significant alterations took place, including the Lady altar of 1921 and the Sacred Heart altar of 1924. The stained glass includes windows by Shrigley & Hunt, a well-known stained-glass firm based in Lancaster. Catholic history in Fleetwood Before the present church existed, Catholics in the town worshipped in the first chapel, opened in 1841 on Walmesley Street. The Pugin church later became the town's principal Catholic place of worship. It belongs to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lancaster. Is it a listed building? Yes. Historic England (formerly English Heritage) lists the church at Grade II, recognising its architectural and historic interest. Listing also shapes what alterations can be made to the building. Frequently asked questions Is the church still in use? Yes, it is a working parish church in the Diocese of Lancaster, so plan any visit around service times and keep noise down. Where is it? On Kemp Street in Fleetwood, Lancashire, close to the Irish Sea coast. Who was the architect? E. W. Pugin; construction ran from 1866 to 1867. Who will enjoy visiting? Anyone interested in Victorian church architecture, the Gothic Revival and the local history of an English port town.

Douai Abbey Church

Woolhampton

Douai Abbey Church in Woolhampton, West Berkshire, is the abbey church of a Benedictine community whose roots go back to seventeenth-century Paris. Built in the late 1920s and early 1930s, it is a Gothic Revival building and a Grade II* listed landmark of the Berkshire countryside. What is Douai Abbey Church? The church stands at Upper Woolhampton, near Thatcham, in the Kennet valley between Reading and Newbury. It serves the monks of Douai Abbey, a Benedictine monastery, and it is also open to visitors and to worshippers who come for services and retreats. Why is it called Douai? The name comes from the community's long journey. The monks were first formed in Paris in 1615 by Dom Gabriel Gifford. In 1818 they settled in the French town of Douai, which gave the abbey its name. In 1903, as anti-clerical legislation made life in France difficult for religious orders, the community moved to England and arrived in Woolhampton. Sources give slightly different dates for the purchase of the property, with 1909 mentioned in the listed-building records. Who designed the church and what does it look like? The abbey church was designed by the architect J. Arnold Crush in a free, curvilinear Gothic Revival style. It is built of red brick with Bath stone dressings, and construction took place between 1928 and 1933. Only about a third of Crush's plan was completed in 1933. The building was finished much later, in 1993, with an addition designed by Michael Blee. Historic England lists the church at Grade II*, a status given to particularly important buildings. The west front is the part many visitors remember, an impressive and slightly unconventional composition. Inside, the long nave gives the church a calm, spacious character. Music and acoustics The church has two organs, one by Tamburini dating from 1978 and one by Kenneth Tickell from 1994. Its acoustics are well regarded, and the building has become a popular venue for recordings. The earlier church and the monastery Before the new abbey church was built, the community worshipped in the nearby church of St Mary, a parish church with a simple Gothic chapel dating from 1832. That building has since been altered considerably. In the 1960s a new monastery for the community was built to a design by Sir Frederick Gibberd, the architect also known for other major twentieth-century projects in England. Visiting The abbey lies in a quiet rural setting and is easiest to reach by car from Thatcham, Reading or Newbury. As the church belongs to a working monastery, it is best to check opening times and the service schedule before travelling, and to behave as in any place of worship. Lovers of church architecture, organ music and monastic history will find it a rewarding stop in this part of Berkshire. Frequently asked questions Is Douai Abbey Church listed? Yes, it is Grade II* listed. Who was the architect? J. Arnold Crush designed it, and Michael Blee completed the plan in 1993. Why does an English abbey have a French name? The community lived in Douai, France, from 1818 until 1903, when it moved to Woolhampton.

Mynyddbach Chapel

Swansea

Mynyddbach Chapel is the oldest Independent chapel in Swansea, Wales. It stands in the Treboeth district, north of the city centre and close to Llangyfelach. Today the building works as an arts and culture centre, and its story reaches back to the middle of the 17th century. How did the chapel begin? The congregation traces its roots to around 1640. Local people gathered on the Sabbath and on weeknights to read the Scriptures and pray together. They first met at the Cilfwnwr farmhouse near Llangyfelach and later at Tirdwncyn. Over time the group became a properly constituted church and carried on as such until at least 1762. Samuel Jones served as minister at Tirdwncyn between 1720 and 1759. In 1761 a plot of land was leased, and soon afterwards a chapel went up there, at Tirdoncyn-newydd near Llangyfelach. A community that had worshipped in private homes for more than a century finally had a building of its own. What does the present building look like? The current chapel dates from the 1860s. Records give 1867 for the new building, while another account describes a rebuild in 1865 designed by John Humphreys of Treforest. It is a classical-style chapel with its entrance in the gable end, a layout common among Welsh chapels of the period. It was extensively renovated in the 1930s. Why visit? It is the oldest Independent congregation in Swansea, so the site matters for the story of nonconformity in south Wales. In 2011 the chapel faced demolition. A local group led by Reverend Grenville Fisher and Melvin John Davies campaigned to save it, and the Calon Lân Centre now occupies the building. The bard Gwyrosydd, real name Daniel James, is buried here. He wrote the words of the famous Welsh hymn "Calon Lân". Frequently asked questions Where is Mynyddbach Chapel? In Treboeth, Swansea, near Llangyfelach and north of the city centre. Is it still a working chapel? The building now serves as an arts and culture centre run by the local community that saved it from demolition in 2011. What is the place known for? It is the oldest Independent chapel in Swansea and the burial place of Gwyrosydd, author of the words to "Calon Lân". When was the present building constructed? In the 1860s (records mention 1865 or 1867), and it was extensively renovated in the 1930s. Is it worth combining with other stops? Yes. It suits anyone interested in Welsh religious history, music and literature, especially when exploring the northern districts of Swansea.

St Seiriol's Well

St Seiriol's Well is a small stone-and-brick well house at Penmon, on the eastern tip of the Isle of Anglesey in Wales. It stands beside the old priory church and is a Grade I listed building. For visitors it is one of the quietest and most atmospheric stops on the island's coast. Where is St Seiriol's Well? The well lies in the village of Penmon, a promontory about 3 miles (4.8 km) east of Beaumaris, in the community of Llangoed. The name comes from the Welsh words pen and Môn, the Welsh name for Anglesey. The Anglesey Coastal Path follows the shoreline here, so the well is easy to combine with a coastal walk. On clear days the views stretch south across the Menai Strait to Snowdonia. Who was St Seiriol? Tradition links the site with Seiriol, a 6th-century saint and founder of the monastery at Penmon. The well is associated with his name, although the dedication was recorded in writing only much later: the antiquarian Angharad Llwyd called it Seiriol's well in her 1833 history of Anglesey. Earlier it was also known as Ffynnon Fair, St Mary's Well. What does the well look like? The present well house is mostly built of brick and dates from the early 18th century. A niche at the back was made to hold a statue, which points to a date before the Reformation. Water collects in a small basin inside the enclosure, and the whole structure is protected by Cadw, the Welsh heritage body. Why was the well important? Early Celtic wells were often linked with healing and baptism. This one drew pilgrims, and baptisms were carried out here. Water from the well is still used ceremonially: islanders chose it as a symbol of Anglesey at the launch of the 10th International Island Games. History of the surrounding monastery Penmon was home to a monastic community from early times. Vikings attacked it in 971, and the first church was built of wood. In the 12th century the church was rebuilt in stone, under Gruffudd ap Cynan and Owain Gwynedd. In the early 13th century the community adopted the Augustinian Rule and the priory church was enlarged. The 12th-century church still stands next to the well. What else is there to see at Penmon? the historic priory church and monastic remains, an award-winning beach, the Anglesey Coastal Path along the shore, old quarries, whose stone went into Birmingham Town Hall and the two bridges across the Menai Strait. Frequently asked questions Is St Seiriol's Well free to visit? The well sits in the churchyard area beside the priory church and can be seen from outside the enclosure; check local information for current access. How old is it? The standing structure is dated to the 18th century, while the site's religious use is tied to a tradition reaching back to the 6th century. What is the best time to go? The area is popular for its tranquillity, bracing air and fine views, so a calm, clear day suits it best. How do I get there from Beaumaris? Penmon is about 3 miles (4.8 km) east of the town, along the eastern coast of Anglesey.

Bethel Baptist Chapel

Bethel Baptist Chapel is a historic Baptist chapel in Llantwit Major, an old market town in the Vale of Glamorgan on the south coast of Wales. The building dates from around 1830 and is now Grade II listed. It is still home to a living congregation, so visitors see more than a period building: it is a working piece of Welsh Nonconformist heritage. What is the history of Bethel Baptist Chapel? The congregation began in the winter of 1819, when a small group of Baptists started meeting weekly in private homes in Llantwit Major. The group grew steadily, and by about 1830 it was able to build its own chapel, the one known today as Bethel. The name is Hebrew for "house of God" and was a favourite among Welsh dissenting chapels of the nineteenth century. Church records describe it as a Particular Baptist chapel. The Cadw listing dates from 10 September 1982 and was last amended in 2004. The Welsh national record, Coflein, also gives 1830 as the year of construction. Where is the chapel and how do you get there? The chapel stands on Commercial Street, close to High Street, in the centre of Llantwit Major. The town sits on the Bristol Channel coast, a few kilometres from the Glamorgan Heritage Coast path. You can reach it by local bus from Cardiff and Bridgend, or by car. Seeing the exterior takes only a few minutes, but it pairs nicely with a stroll around the old town. Is the chapel still active? Yes. The church is active, and Phil Hibbert has been its minister since 2011. The hall hosts children's and youth groups, a lunch club and a dementia café. The congregation also runs the local foodbank together with other Llantwit churches, using the building for it. That makes the chapel a hub of neighbourhood life as well as a listed monument. What historical records exist? Glamorgan Archives holds congregation records from 1905 to 2012, including accounts and papers on the refurbishment of the chapel. These are a useful resource for anyone researching local history or family roots. The GENUKI website, which covers the chapels and churches of Wales, also has an entry for the building. What else is worth seeing nearby? Llantwit Major is best known for St Illtud's Church, regarded as one of the oldest sites of Christian learning in Britain, and for the nearby cliffs and Colhugh beach. Bethel Chapel complements that walk by showing a second, nineteenth-century layer of the town's religious heritage: the Protestant tradition that grew out of the dissenting movement. Frequently asked questions When was Bethel Baptist Chapel built? Around 1830, after the congregation had met in homes from 1819. Is it a listed building? Yes. It is Grade II listed, a status granted in 1982 and amended in 2004. Is the chapel still in use? Yes. A congregation worships there, and the building hosts community groups and a foodbank. Where is it? In Llantwit Major in the Vale of Glamorgan, on Commercial Street near High Street. Is there an entry fee? It is a working place of worship, so check service and event times with the church before you visit.

Capel Moriah

Upper Loughor

Capel Moriah is a stone chapel of Welsh nonconformists, tied to the start of one of the best-known religious revivals in Wales. The chapel stands in Upper Loughor (Welsh: Llwchwr), in the City and County of Swansea, on the north side of Glebe Road, about 60 metres west of the junction with Woodlands Road. What kind of building is it? The present chapel was built in 1898 for a Calvinistic Methodist congregation. It cost £1,700. The foundation stones were laid by Samuel Thomas, owner of the Broadoak Colliery, and William Clement, and the congregation's first minister was the Rev. Daniel Jones. The building is a Grade II listed building, with the listing dating from 2002. The adjoining schoolroom and the gates and railings are each listed separately. Together they form a compact group typical of a Welsh nonconformist chapel, where the congregation, the sermon and the singing mattered most. What happened here before 1898? The congregation is older than the current building. The first chapel dates from 1828 and is described as a thatched structure known as Capel y To Gwellt, "the thatched-roof chapel". It was altered several times, including in 1836, 1842 and 1849, when a gallery was added. The 1842 chapel stood beside the new building and was converted into a schoolroom in 1903. Why does Capel Moriah matter? The best-known episode took place in the schoolroom. On 31 October 1904 Evan Roberts addressed a youth meeting here, an event regarded as one of the beginnings of the Welsh Revival of 1904-5. That movement spread quickly across Wales and had an influence beyond its borders. Evan Roberts is buried at Moriah, and his memorial stands in the chapel forecourt. For anyone interested in religious history, Wales and nonconformist heritage, it is a stop worth making. Practical tips for visiting It is a listed building, so it is best viewed from the outside, from the pavement on Glebe Road and the forecourt. Look at the gates and railings, which have their own listing. The memorial to Evan Roberts is in the forecourt in front of the chapel. The site sits among the houses of Upper Loughor, a few steps from Woodlands Road. Frequently asked questions Where exactly is Capel Moriah? In Upper Loughor (Llwchwr), Swansea, on the north side of Glebe Road, about 60 m west of the junction with Woodlands Road. When was the current chapel built? In 1898, at a cost of £1,700. What is the link with Evan Roberts? On 31 October 1904 he spoke to a youth meeting in the schoolroom, an event seen as one of the starting points of the 1904-5 Welsh Revival. He is buried at the chapel, and his memorial is in the forecourt. Is the chapel listed? Yes. The chapel, the schoolroom, and the gates and railings are each Grade II listed. Which denomination did the congregation belong to? Calvinistic Methodist.

Chadkirk Chapel

Stockport

Chadkirk Chapel is a Grade II* listed former place of worship in Chadkirk, close to Romiley in the Metropolitan Borough of Stockport, Greater Manchester. Its oldest fabric goes back to the 16th century, yet the spot is tied to a story that reaches back much further. Today the chapel belongs to Stockport Council and hosts weddings and community events. What is Chadkirk Chapel? The building stands on Chadkirk Lane, in the green Goyt Valley setting of the Chadkirk estate. The name means "the church of Chad". Local legend says the chapel occupies the site of a monastic cell founded by St Chad in the 7th century. The first explicit written mention of the chapel dates from 1535. What is the history of the chapel? The Davenport family held the estate from 1381 and used the chapel as a chantry in the 16th century. When chantry chapels were being suppressed, the family argued that this was their own family chapel, used for christenings, burials and weddings, and it was allowed to stay open. In the 1640s a Puritan congregation worshipped here. In 1686 the chapel was registered as a Nonconformist place of worship, the first in Cheshire. The Nonconformists were evicted in 1705 and built a new chapel at nearby Hatherlow. The Church of England then restored the building in the middle of the 18th century. In 1865 a new church opened in Romiley and drew the congregation away. The chapel fell into disrepair, was renovated again, and eventually stopped holding regular services. It was declared redundant in 1971. What can you see inside? A restoration in the 1990s gave the interior some modern artwork. The carved oak panelling that shows scenes from the life of St Chad, along with the metal Tree of Life and the altarpieces, is the work of the British artist Ben Coode-Adams. The sandstone statue of St Chad and the altar were made by the Liverpool-born sculptor Tom Dagnall. What is St Chad's Well? Beside Vale Road, within the estate, you will find St Chad's Well, also called the Holy Well. It is fed by a natural spring. The stone housing around it dates from the 18th or 19th century, and local accounts link the site with pagan worship before it was Christianised. In 1994 Stockport Council commissioned an archaeological survey of the well's surviving structure. Frequently asked questions Is Chadkirk Chapel still used for services? Regular worship ended long ago. The chapel now serves for weddings and community events. Who owns it? Stockport Council. How old is the chapel? Parts of the building are 16th century, and tradition places a religious site here from the 7th century. Where is it? On Chadkirk Lane, near Romiley, in Stockport, Greater Manchester. Is there more to see nearby? Yes. St Chad's Well lies on the estate beside Vale Road, and the surrounding Goyt Valley countryside is good for a walk.

Church of St Columba

Sunderland

The Church of St Columba stands on Cornhill Road in Southwick, Sunderland, on the north bank of the River Wear. This Victorian brick building in the Byzantine-Romanesque style is Grade II listed and is now known as the MICC Chapel of Light. When and by whom was it built? Construction ran from 1888 to 1890. The architect was Charles Hodgson Fowler (1840-1910), who served as architect to the Dean and Chapter of Durham from 1885 until his death. The building was listed on 17 October 1994. What does the building look like? Fowler designed the church as a brick basilica. It rises above the rows of terraced housing in Southwick and is a clear landmark in this part of the city. The Byzantine-Romanesque style sets it apart from the Gothic Revival churches that dominate English parish architecture. The plan reflects the community that commissioned it. The emphasis on processional routes and clear sightlines to the liturgy comes from the parish's Anglo-Catholic tradition, which makes the church a good example of how worship shapes architecture. What is there to see inside? Painted apse and aisles – the decoration is by James Eadie Reid. The apse shows biblical scenes and early saints, including Columba, Cuthbert and Aidan, figures central to the early Christian history of northern Britain. Stained glass – some windows are signed and dated JER 1905. The organ – it has an unusual history. The instrument was donated by a cathedral in Gloucestershire, and a local merchant built it using parts from the organ of St Peter's Church, Monkwearmouth. Is the church still in use? Yes. The former parish church of St Columba now serves as the MICC Chapel of Light. It has been opened to visitors as part of Heritage Open Days, the annual event that opens historic buildings across England, and it is featured by the National Churches Trust. Frequently asked questions Where is the church? On Cornhill Road in Southwick, a district of Sunderland, Tyne and Wear. When was it built? Between 1888 and 1890. Who designed it? Charles Hodgson Fowler. Is it a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II listed. Can I go inside? The easiest time is during Heritage Open Days. At other times, check opening hours with the building's custodians first. Why visit? For the Byzantine-Romanesque brick basilica, James Eadie Reid's paintings and the unusual story of the organ. It is a rewarding stop for anyone exploring Sunderland beyond its seafront.

Our Lady of the Angels Church, Erith

Londyn

Our Lady of the Angels Church in Erith is a Roman Catholic parish church in south-east London, standing on the corner of Bexley Road and Carlton Road. Its tall entrance arches and slender bell tower make it one of the most recognisable buildings on the street, and it is the only Catholic church in London run by Capuchin priests. Who built the church and when? The current building dates from 1962–63. The foundation stone was laid by Bishop Cowderoy on 9 September 1962, and the church opened in December 1963. It was funded and overseen by the Capuchin friars, and the cost is recorded as £45,750. The design is credited to the firm Archard & Partners. The church is the latest chapter in a much longer story. The Capuchins have been active in Erith since 1867, which means the order has served the local community for well over 150 years. What is the Capuchin connection? The Capuchin mission in Erith began in 1867 with Fr Maurice, who first celebrated Mass in a house in Cross Street. He later secured a plot in West Street and built a church dedicated to St Fidelis, along with a small school and a presbytery. In 1875 the Erith community became a formal Capuchin friary. A large site on the corner of Bexley Road and Carlton Road was bought, and a friary dedicated to Our Lady of the Angels was built there by Fr Bernardine. For decades worship took place in makeshift spaces: a large hall built in the 1920s served as the church, and from 1947 a wing of the friary was used as a chapel until the present church was ready. What does the building look like? Heritage assessors describe it as a large brick church of 1962–63 and a fairly conservative one for its date. Rather than following the more experimental styles of the period, it uses a stripped Classical language. Historic England noted that the classical styling of the tall entrance arches and the landmark campanile, the freestanding-style bell tower, are powerful features in the street scene. The side aisles belong to the original build, even though one survey notes they sit somewhat at odds with the rest of the design. Why visit? The church is an interesting example of post-war Catholic architecture in outer London and of a religious order's long local presence. It suits a short stop for anyone exploring Erith, interested in twentieth-century church buildings, or following the history of the Capuchins in England. The exterior, with its arches and tower, can be appreciated from the pavement on Bexley Road. Frequently asked questions Where is Our Lady of the Angels Church? In Erith, in the London Borough of Bexley, on the corner of Bexley Road and Carlton Road. When was it built? Construction took place in 1962–63; the church opened in December 1963. Who runs the church? Capuchin friars, who have worked in Erith since 1867. It is the only Catholic church in London served by Capuchin priests. Is the building protected or recognised? Historic England has assessed it and praised the entrance arches and the campanile as strong features of the streetscape. What was there before the current church? A hall from the 1920s was used for worship, followed from 1947 by a chapel in a wing of the friary.