Sacred Monuments in the United Kingdom

Countess Of Huntingdon's Chapel

Basingstoke and Deane

Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel in Mortimer West End is a small Georgian place of worship in northern Hampshire, close to the Berkshire border, within the borough of Basingstoke and Deane. It dates from the end of the 18th century and is protected as a Grade II* listed building, a rating given to only a small share of listed buildings in England. What is this chapel? The chapel is a plain rural meeting house built for Protestant worship outside the Church of England. It stands in the village of Mortimer West End, a scattered settlement of lanes and woodland. Its name refers to the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion, a network of evangelical chapels that grew out of the work of Selina, Countess of Huntingdon, who died in 1783. The chapel is listed among the churches of that Connexion. When was it built? The first building phase dates from 1798. Local history accounts say a local benefactor, John Mulford, paid for the construction and that the land came from John Whitburn. In September of the same year the Bishop of Winchester licensed the building for worship. The listing text describes it as a non-denominational chapel in its earliest phase. Around 1805 the building was remodelled. The main change was the entrance, which was moved from the west side to the south side, and the interior was reoriented accordingly. For visitors interested in architecture, this is the key detail to look for: the layout you see today reflects the early 19th-century alterations rather than the very first plan. How did it join the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion? In its early decades the chapel was run by the Reading Evangelical Society. That society dissolved in 1826, and its surviving trustees handed the building over to the trustees of the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion for a nominal sum. Local history sources report that by that time the congregation drew about 300 regular worshippers from surrounding villages, including Thatcham and Bucklebury. That figure shows how important a rural chapel like this was as a gathering place for the wider area. Why visit? It is a well-preserved example of a late Georgian nonconformist chapel in the English countryside. Its Grade II* listing, dated 25 April 1980, marks it as architecturally and historically significant. It illustrates the history of evangelical Protestantism in England and the spread of the Connexion beyond the big towns. It sits in a quiet village, well suited to walkers and to anyone exploring the Hampshire and Berkshire borderlands. Practical notes The chapel is a working religious building rather than a museum, so check locally for service times and access before planning a visit. The exterior and the setting are the easiest parts to appreciate without prior arrangement. Mortimer West End is reached by country roads, and the nearest larger towns are Basingstoke to the south-west and Reading to the north-east. Frequently asked questions When was Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel built? The first building dates from 1798 and was remodelled around 1805. Is the chapel a listed building? Yes. It has been Grade II* listed since 25 April 1980. Who paid for it? Local history accounts name John Mulford as the benefactor who funded the building. Why is it called Countess of Huntingdon's Chapel? In 1826 the trustees of the Reading Evangelical Society transferred it to the Countess of Huntingdon's Connexion, the evangelical network founded under the Countess. Where is it? In Mortimer West End, Hampshire, in the Basingstoke and Deane district, near the border with Berkshire.

St Twrog's Chapel

Forest of Dean

St Twrog's Chapel is a ruined medieval chapel on a small tidal island in the Severn estuary, within the parish of Tidenham in the Forest of Dean district of Gloucestershire, England. Today only a low fragment of the building survives, but the site was once a busy place of pilgrimage. What is St Twrog's Chapel? The chapel was a small religious building dedicated to Twrog, a Welsh saint of the 6th century. The dedication is a reminder that the Severn was never a hard border: Welsh and English communities lived on both sides of the water and travelled across it. The ruin stands on St Twrog's Island, which has also been recorded under other names, including St Tecla's Island, Chapel Island and Chapel Rock. It lies close to Beachley Point, where the River Wye meets the Severn. What can you see today? Very little remains. The listed-building record, which gives the ruin Grade II status, describes a fragment of rubble masonry that includes one arched opening. There is no roof and no complete wall. The interest lies in the location, the estuary views and the history rather than in standing architecture. Why did pilgrims come here? In the Middle Ages the chapel attracted many visitors. Offerings at the site were valued at about £10 in 1400, a notable sum for such a small building. A papal document of 1405 refers to a large number of English and Welsh people resorting to it. The Gloucestershire Places of Worship database says the chapel was founded before 1290, so it predates the other churches in the area. Who looked after it? The Victoria County History links the chapel with an anchorite, a religious hermit, supported with grain and alms from the manor of Tidenham. Why was it abandoned? By 1535 the chapel's fortunes had declined. A diocesan survey of 1536 described the chapel as worthless, and by the 18th century it was a ruin. Visiting tips The island can be reached on foot only at low tide, so check tide tables before you set out. The estuary has strong tides and soft mud. Do not stay out as the water returns. The nearest point of interest on land is Beachley Point, where the Wye and Severn meet. The ruin is small, so the visit works best combined with a walk along the estuary shore. Frequently asked questions Where is St Twrog's Chapel? On St Twrog's Island in the Severn estuary, near Beachley Point, in the parish of Tidenham, Gloucestershire. Who was St Twrog? A Welsh saint of the 6th century, to whom the chapel was dedicated. Can you walk to the chapel? Only at low tide. Plan around the tides and keep an eye on the water. Is the chapel still in use? No. It has been a ruin since at least the 18th century, and only a fragment of masonry remains.

Church of Saint Martin of Tours, Haverfordwest

Haverfordwest

Church of Saint Martin of Tours is the oldest church in Haverfordwest, a Pembrokeshire county town in west Wales. It stands close to the castle, and its octagonal stone steeple is one of the easiest landmarks to pick out when you look across the town. How old is Saint Martin's Church? The church was the first one built in Haverfordwest. Sources give a date of around 1120, which ties it to the construction of the castle and the founding of the town about ten years earlier. Its dedication to Saint Martin of Tours is typical of an early twelfth-century foundation. Some writers point to an even earlier start, so the exact start date remains open to debate. What is the history of the building? In the first half of the 13th century the church was given to the canons of the Augustinian priory of Saint Mary and Saint Thomas the Martyr in Haverfordwest. Robert FitzRichard, a member of the family that held the town, was the donor. The canons kept the church until the Reformation. When the priory was dissolved, its estates and the right to appoint the priest to Saint Martin's passed to the Crown under Henry VIII. The medieval building grew in stages. The tower dates from the 14th century. Around 1400 the church was enlarged considerably, gaining a side aisle, a chapel and a porch. These additions gave the building much of the layout that visitors see now. Why was the church restored? By the early 19th century the church had fallen into serious disrepair and was described as almost entirely dilapidated. A major Victorian restoration followed in 1862-65, led by the architect C. E. Giles. The work saved the medieval church and shaped its present appearance. Is the church protected? Yes. Saint Martin's is a Grade II* listed building, a category reserved for particularly important buildings. The churchyard walls and gates are listed separately at Grade II. Cadw, the Welsh heritage body, regards them as an important part of the church's setting. What can you see when you visit? The octagonal steeple, the church's best-known feature and a recognisable part of the Haverfordwest skyline. Medieval fabric from the 14th-century tower and the work of about 1400, including the aisle, chapel and porch. Victorian restoration by Giles, which sits alongside the older stonework. The churchyard and its listed walls and gates, which frame the building. The church lies in the historic centre, so you can combine a visit with the castle and the old streets that grew up around it. It also appears on the Haverfordwest Civic Society's town trail, which is a good way to learn how the town developed. Frequently asked questions Where is the church? In the centre of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales, near the castle. What is it known for? It is the town's oldest church and has a distinctive octagonal stone steeple. When was it built? Around 1120 according to sources, with the tower added in the 14th century and a large extension around 1400. Who restored it? C. E. Giles carried out the main restoration between 1862 and 1865. Is it a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II* listed, and the churchyard walls and gates are Grade II.

Church of St Tegfan, Llandegfan

Church of St Tegfan in Llandegfan is the parish church of a village on the southeast coast of Anglesey, in north Wales. It is a Grade II listed building, and its story reaches back to the early medieval period. Who was St Tegfan? The name Llandegfan means "the church of Tegfan". According to tradition, Tegfan was born in Wales to refugee parents: his father was a nobleman from a northern British kingdom that had been crushed, and his mother came from Brittany. He is associated mainly with Anglesey, and the account places his religious cell of the 6th century on the site of the church. These details are a traditional account rather than documented biography. A nineteenth-century gazetteer spells the dedication "St Tegvan", a reminder of how Welsh names were once rendered in English. How old is the church? A church at Llandegfan is recorded in 1254, which makes the site at least that old in written sources. The oldest parts of the present building date from the 14th century. The church was then largely rebuilt in 1901-1903, so what visitors see today is mostly a Victorian-Edwardian restoration built around the medieval core. The porch dates from the 16th century. During the rebuilding, workers found an ancient font bowl. The church was once the mother church of Beaumaris, the historic town a short distance along the coast. It was listed Grade II on 30 January 1968. What is worth looking for inside? Near the east window is a memorial to Thomas Davis, who was born in Llandegfan and served as a Messenger to King Charles I. He died in 1649 and left money in his will for the poor of the parish. His will was found in a safe in the church in 2007, and the documents are now kept at the Anglesey Archives in Llangefni. The memorial links a small village church to the events of the English Civil War era. Where is it? The church stands in Llandegfan, within the community of Cwm Cadnant, on the Menai Strait side of Anglesey. It belongs to the Church in Wales, in the Diocese of Bangor. The coordinates are roughly 53.2469 N, 4.1538 W. Frequently asked questions Is the church old? A church here was recorded in 1254. The oldest surviving parts of the building are from the 14th century, though much was rebuilt in 1901-1903. Is it a listed building? Yes, it has been Grade II listed since 30 January 1968. What does Llandegfan mean? It means "the church of Tegfan", after the saint associated with the site. Who is commemorated inside? Thomas Davis, a Llandegfan-born Messenger to Charles I, who died in 1649 and left money for the parish poor. Is it close to Beaumaris? Yes. Llandegfan lies near Beaumaris, and this church was historically its mother church. Visiting Check locally for opening times, as small parish churches often open only for services or on particular days. The village is a good base for exploring the Menai Strait coast and the nearby historic town of Beaumaris, so a stop at St Tegfan's fits easily into a day on this side of Anglesey. Allow time to look at the porch, the font and the memorial near the east window.

Bethesda English Baptist Church

Haverfordwest

Bethesda English Baptist Church is a Baptist chapel in the centre of Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, and one of the most distinctive nonconformist buildings in west Wales. Its Italian Romanesque façade, a large interior and a congregation history reaching back to the eighteenth century make it a worthwhile stop for anyone interested in Welsh chapel architecture. Where is Bethesda Baptist Church? The chapel stands close to the middle of Haverfordwest, on the eastern side of Barn Street, near the point where it meets City Road and Perrots Road. The site is a short walk from the main streets of the town, so it fits easily into a stroll around Haverfordwest. The coordinates are roughly 51.802 N, 4.973 W. What is the history of the chapel? Baptist worship in Haverfordwest goes back to around the 1740s, when travelling Baptist preachers found a receptive audience in the town. Archive material held by the National Library of Wales documents the Bethesda cause from that early period, and further church papers from the nineteenth century cover the Sunday School, the building fund and other parts of congregational life. The congregation outgrew and replaced its earlier meeting places. The building you see today is the third chapel on the site and was erected in 1878 at a cost of about £2,199, a considerable sum for a nonconformist congregation of the time. Sources differ a little on the dates of the earlier buildings, so it is safest to say that the present chapel replaced older ones that had served the congregation before. Who designed it and what style is it? The architect was George Morgan of Carmarthen, who worked widely on chapels in south and west Wales. For Bethesda he chose an Italian Romanesque style, with round-arched forms and a formal, classical-looking front that stands out among the town's more modest buildings. The official listing description singles it out as possibly the finest of Morgan's Italian Romanesque designs, which explains why the building is protected at Grade II*, a status given to only a small share of listed buildings in Wales. The listing also covers the vestry block attached to the left of the chapel. What is inside? The interior is large and richly finished. It can accommodate around 900 people, an indication of how big nonconformist congregations were in Victorian Wales and how much they invested in their places of worship. As with many chapels, the space was designed around preaching, so that a large congregation could see and hear the minister. Can I visit? Bethesda is still an active place of worship, so the best way to see the inside is to attend a service or to ask the church about opening times. From the street you can appreciate the façade and its proportions at any time. Check current opening arrangements directly with the church before you plan a visit, as they can change. Frequently asked questions Is Bethesda English Baptist Church listed? Yes. It is a Grade II* listed building, together with its attached vestry block. When was the present chapel built? In 1878, to a design by George Morgan of Carmarthen. Why "English" Baptist? The name distinguishes this congregation from a separate Baptist chapel in the town, opened in 1858, which originally served the Welsh-speaking population. How many people does it hold? About 900. What other things can I see nearby? Haverfordwest has a historic centre with a hilltop castle, a riverside setting and a civic society heritage trail that points out many of the town's older buildings, so the chapel pairs well with a wider walk.

Ukrainian Autocephalic Orthodox Church

Bradford

Ukrainian Autocephalic Orthodox Church, Bradford The Ukrainian Autocephalic Orthodox Church in Bradford is the church of St Mary Protectress on Stony Lane in Eccleshill, in the north of the city in West Yorkshire. It is a Grade II listed building, and a good example of how a former English Nonconformist chapel found a second life as a place of worship for the Ukrainian diaspora. What is the building and where did it come from? The building went up in 1854–1855 as the Eccleshill Methodist chapel. It was designed by James Simpson of Leeds in the Italianate style, a favourite of Victorian chapel builders in Yorkshire. Above the entrance, the pediment carries a relief inscription reading "1854 / WESLEYAN / METHODIST". It is a clear reminder of the building's original purpose and a nice detail for anyone who enjoys reading façades. Why did a chapel become an Orthodox church? In the mid-1960s the local Ukrainian congregation converted the building for Orthodox worship. A church trustee recalls that community members donated money to buy it and turn it into the first permanent Ukrainian Autocephalous Orthodox church in Yorkshire. Its first priest, a protopresbyter, served the congregation well into his eighties. He was the father of the trustee, Wasyl Hutorny. This story is part of the wider post-war history of Ukrainians in Britain. Émigré communities founded their own parishes, which were far more than places of prayer: they kept language, customs and mutual support alive. What changed inside? The conversion went well beyond a new sign on the door. The interior was adapted for Eastern-rite worship and fitted with an iconostasis, an altar, commemorative plaques and wall paintings. This blend of Victorian architecture and Ukrainian sacred art is the building's main appeal. Heritage assessors regard its use as a Ukrainian Orthodox church since the 1960s as an important part of its special interest. Heritage status The church was listed at Grade II on 9 August 1983, and the entry was amended on 4 May 2023. The update highlighted the building's value as a landmark of the Ukrainian community in England. Frequently asked questions Where is the church? On Stony Lane in Eccleshill, a district of Bradford, West Yorkshire, England. Is it still an active church? Yes, it serves the Ukrainian Orthodox community. If you visit, remember that it is a place of worship rather than a museum. To see the interior, it is best to contact the parish in advance. When was it built? In 1854–1855 as a Methodist chapel; it became a church for the Ukrainian community in the mid-1960s. Is it a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II listed. Are there other Ukrainian churches in former chapels in Bradford? Yes. In Manningham, the Ukrainian Catholic Church of Holy Trinity and Our Lady of Pochaiv also occupies a former Methodist chapel, built in 1878–1879 and adapted for its new role from the 1960s. The two buildings pair well on a walk exploring the city's Ukrainian heritage. Who is it for? The church is worth a look for fans of Victorian architecture, migration history and the creative reuse of old buildings. Eccleshill lies outside the strict city centre, so it combines well with exploring Bradford's less touristy neighbourhoods. Please enter with respect for the community's ongoing religious life.

St Mary's Church, Crewe

Crewe

St Mary's Church in Crewe is an active Roman Catholic parish church on St Mary's Street, in the Cheshire town of Crewe. It belongs to the Diocese of Shrewsbury and is a Grade II listed building, recorded in the National Heritage List for England since 14 June 1984. For anyone interested in Victorian church architecture, it is one of the more interesting stops in a town better known for its railway heritage. Who designed St Mary's Church? The church was designed by Pugin & Pugin, the architectural practice that carried on the Gothic Revival tradition associated with the Pugin name. Construction took place between 1890 and 1891. The tower was finished at a later date, so the building as seen today is the result of more than one phase of work. What does the building look like? The church is built of red brick under a slate roof. The official list entry describes the style as "Free Gothic", while Wikipedia classes it as Gothic Revival with windows in the Decorated manner. Both labels point to the same idea: a Gothic vocabulary used with some freedom rather than a strict copy of a medieval model. The plan is traditional. A tower stands at the south-west corner, and the main body consists of a five-bay nave with side aisles, ending in an apsidal chancel, meaning that the east end is rounded. The red brick gives the exterior a warm, solid look that fits the industrial town around it. What is inside? The interior is tall and wide. From the nave, the view leads towards the high altar and reredos, which are made of Caen stone, a pale limestone from Normandy long favoured for church fittings. As in many Catholic churches, the arrangement was changed after the Second Vatican Council: the altar was moved forward, the communion rails were removed and a screen was added in the narthex, the entrance area at the back of the church. How old is the Catholic community in Crewe? The church building dates from the 1890s, but the parish is older. Mass was being said in Crewe from around 1828, and the first resident priest arrived in 1844. A presbytery was added in 1851. The present church therefore represents the later growth of a Catholic community that had already been established for decades. Practical information Address: St Mary's Street, Crewe, Cheshire. Use: an active parish church, so visits are best planned around services and with respect for worship. Status: Grade II listed. Location: the coordinates are roughly 53.098 N, 2.447 W. Frequently asked questions Is St Mary's Church in Crewe still used for worship? Yes. It is an active Roman Catholic parish church in the Diocese of Shrewsbury. When was it built? Construction ran from 1890 to 1891, with the tower completed afterwards. Who was the architect? Pugin & Pugin. Is the church protected? Yes. It has been a Grade II listed building since 14 June 1984. What is the church made of? Red brick with a slate roof; the high altar and reredos are in Caen stone.

Church of Our Lady and St Thomas of Canterbury

Harrow

Church of Our Lady and St Thomas of Canterbury, Harrow Church of Our Lady and St Thomas of Canterbury is a Roman Catholic church in Roxborough Park on Harrow-on-the-Hill, in north-west London. It is a Grade II listed Victorian building designed by the architect Arthur Young, and it is a good stop for anyone interested in Gothic Revival architecture away from the capital's busiest sights. Where is it and how do I get there? The church stands in Roxborough Park, a residential street on Harrow-on-the-Hill, at roughly 51.576 N, 0.341 W. The area grew quickly once the Metropolitan Line reached Harrow-on-the-Hill in 1880, so the nearby station is the natural way to arrive from central London. From there it is a short walk through the quiet streets of the hill. What is the history of the church? The story begins in 1873, when a Catholic mission was founded here. At first the congregation worshipped in a tin church built in Roxborough Park, a common stopgap for growing Victorian parishes. As the suburb filled with new houses after the railway arrived, the community needed something permanent. The present church, together with its presbytery and an attached house, was completed in 1894. A contemporary account indicates that the design originally included transepts and a shingled dwarf spire. Neither was ever built, which gives the church its present, compact outline. In the 1970s the building was underpinned to secure its foundations. It was listed Grade II in 1983. What does the building look like? The architect chose a Gothic style modelled on the fourteenth century. The walls are brick faced with roughcast, with stone dressings and windows in Monk's Park stone, plus a small amount of stone and flint chequerwork. Key features described in the official listing: a long, low nave under a tiled roof; a south aisle with a timber waggon vault and a shorter north aisle; an octagonal baptistry to the west of the south aisle; a gallery at the west end; a short, battlemented octagonal tower with chequerboard decoration, east of the south porch. What is inside? The interior is known for its timber waggon roofs, which give the long nave a warm and enclosed feel. The stained glass is a highlight. It includes work by Patrick Nuttgens, who lived locally, as well as windows by Lavers & Westlake and other makers. Seeing glass from different periods in one small church is part of its appeal. Can I visit? This is a working parish church, so access depends on services and the parish's opening arrangements. Check the parish information before you go, and be respectful during Mass and private prayer. Photography of the exterior is easy from the street, and the octagonal tower is the most distinctive detail to look for. Frequently asked questions Who designed the church? Arthur Young, with the present building finished in 1894. Is the church listed? Yes, it is Grade II listed, an entry dating from 25 May 1983. What was here before the stone church? A tin church, built after the mission was established in 1873. Why is there no spire? A contemporary account says a shingled dwarf spire and transepts were planned, but they were never built. Who made the stained glass? Mainly Patrick Nuttgens, a local resident, alongside Lavers & Westlake and other makers. Is it worth combining with other sights? Yes. Harrow-on-the-Hill is known for its historic hilltop streets, so the church fits naturally into a walk through the area.

Catholic Church of St John the Baptist

Staffordshire Moorlands

The Catholic Church of St John the Baptist in Alton is a historic building in Staffordshire Moorlands, England. It is an early work by Augustus Welby Pugin, a leading Gothic Revival architect, and is Grade II* listed. How did the church come about? The church was begun around 1839-40 as the chapel of a larger charitable complex, the Hospital of St John the Baptist. It was commissioned by John Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, a well-known Catholic patron. Pugin reportedly planned the scheme to house elderly priests while also serving as a school. The church was consecrated on 13 July 1842. A full, permanent hospital foundation never materialised, as Pugin did not persuade the Earl to establish one. After the last Catholic Earl died in 1856, the site became a boys' school. In 1932 the former chapel became Alton's parish church. What does the building look like? The church is built in an early Gothic Revival style drawing on English Perpendicular Gothic. It has a four-bay nave, a three-bay chancel, an oratory and a side chapel. The nave originally worked as a schoolroom, divided from the chapel by wooden doors, which neatly shows the dual purpose of the whole complex. What is worth seeing inside? Several valuable features survive in the interior: carvings by Thomas Roddis, stained glass by Paul Woodroffe, floor tiles by Herbert Minton in the north chapel. Changes made after the Second Vatican Council have partly compromised the interior's historic character, yet the church remains an interesting example of Pugin's work at the start of his career. Link to Cheadle The Alton project is connected with another Pugin work in the area, St Giles' church in nearby Cheadle, built between 1841 and 1846. Visiting both lets you trace the development of the architect's ideas and his partnership with the Earl of Shrewsbury. Who is it for? The church is especially recommended to anyone interested in nineteenth-century architecture, the Gothic Revival and the heritage of English Catholicism. Staffordshire Moorlands is also a good base for walking, and a visit to the church combines easily with a stroll around the village of Alton. Frequently asked questions Who designed the Church of St John the Baptist in Alton? Augustus Welby Pugin, commissioned by the Earl of Shrewsbury. When was it built and consecrated? Construction began around 1839-40, and it was consecrated on 13 July 1842. What was the building originally? The chapel of the Hospital of St John the Baptist, intended for elderly clergy and also to function as a school. Since when has it been a parish church? Since 1932. Is it protected? Yes, it is Grade II* listed. Is the complex still in use? The complex now serves as a diocesan youth retreat centre, and the church is used as required. Check current access arrangements before visiting. Summary The Church of St John the Baptist in Alton is a modest but historically important work by Pugin. It brings together the patronage of the Earl of Shrewsbury, a school past and Gothic Revival architecture, and with its carvings, stained glass and Minton tiles it remains worth a stop on a trip through Staffordshire.

Ithon Road Church

Llandrindod Wells

Ithon Road Church in Llandrindod Wells is a former Calvinistic Methodist chapel that, after generations of worship, has become a community venue. The building on Ithon Road is Grade II listed and is one of the distinctive landmarks of this Welsh spa town. Where is Ithon Road Church? The church stands in Llandrindod Wells, a town in mid Wales, in the county of Powys. Its coordinates are roughly 52.2400 N, 3.3832 W. The Albert Hall, which has a long historical link with the chapel, sits right next door. How did the chapel begin? A permanent chapel was established in 1870 on land given by Henry Hurst. It replaced a temporary wooden building that stood near the Gwalia Buildings. It opened on 1 November 1870. John Lewis, a native of Howey and an advocate of Calvinistic Methodism, played a major part in making it happen. Llandrindod Wells was growing as a spa resort at the time, and summer brought visitors, including Welsh speakers. The chapel served a congregation that wanted to worship in its own language. Why was the Albert Hall built next door? In 1896 the Albert Hall was built beside the chapel to take the overflow, especially for Welsh-language services during the summer visitor season. For a long time the two buildings stood side by side and complemented each other. What does the present building look like? The original building was replaced in 1904-05 by a new structure designed by William Beddoe Rees, an architect from Cardiff. It is in the Arts and Crafts style with a Gothic interior, and its notable features include a tower and spire. The plans are held by the Powys Record Office. The building is Grade II listed. In the Coflein records, kept by the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales, the site appears as an English Presbyterian and Calvinistic Methodist chapel. You will therefore see several labels for its denomination: Calvinistic Methodist, Presbyterian, or the combined name used in the register. What is happening with the chapel today? In 2023 Ithon Road Presbyterian Chapel closed its doors because the congregation had become too small to continue. The building was not abandoned, though. According to The Ithon Centre, the former chapel was saved by its neighbours at The Albert Hall and now operates as a multi-purpose community venue called The Ithon Centre. Frequently asked questions Is Ithon Road Church still a working church? No. Services ended in 2023. The building now serves as a community centre. Who designed the current building? William Beddoe Rees, an architect from Cardiff. It was built in 1904-05. Is the building listed? Yes, it is Grade II listed. What stands next to the chapel? The Albert Hall, built in 1896 as extra space for worshippers, especially Welsh-speaking ones in the summer season. Who is the place for? Visitors interested in chapel architecture, Welsh history and the spa heritage of Llandrindod Wells. Look for the tower and spire and the neighbouring Albert Hall, and check current events at The Ithon Centre before you go. Why is it worth noticing? Ithon Road Church shows how Welsh religious heritage can find a new life. The change from a place of worship to a community centre has kept a building of architectural and historical value in use. For anyone walking around Llandrindod Wells it is an interesting stop: you can see Arts and Crafts style with Gothic touches, along with traces of the town's former spa season, when it drew summer visitors.

Roman Catholic Church of St Anselm

Londyn

The Roman Catholic Church of St Anselm is a parish church in Tooting, south London, standing near Tooting Bec on the edge of Balham and Streatham. Built in the early 1930s, it is Grade II listed by Historic England and ranks among the more interesting Catholic churches in south London. How did the St Anselm parish begin? The community dates to 1905, when a Catholic mission started in a former Baptist chapel on Balham High Road. In 1909 it became a separate parish, with Fr Charles Donovan as its first resident priest. The dedication to St Anselm was chosen that year, marking the 800th anniversary of the saint's death. The area's name also carries history: after the Norman Conquest the manor of Totinges was granted to the Benedictine abbey of Bec in Normandy, which gave Tooting Bec its second word. Who designed the present church? The architect was John Bernard Mendham. A parish committee led by Fr Cornelius Le Warne chose his designs. Construction began in 1932 and the church was ready for use by Easter 1933. What does the building look like? The church blends several traditions. Architectural descriptions point to Classical, Gothic, Romanesque and Byzantine elements, along with Spanish and Mudéjar influences. This makes it stand out among the typical English suburban streets around it. The entrance has a Classical Corinthian doorcase with a broken segmental pediment, bearing the papal arms and the date 1933. In the narthex a recess echoes the capitals in St Anselm's crypt at Canterbury Cathedral. The interior is praised for its sense of space and for the quality and completeness of its fittings. Why visit? It suits anyone interested in twentieth-century church architecture or the history of London's parishes. It is a working church, so visitors should respect services and keep quiet inside. Check opening times before you go. Frequently asked questions Where is St Anselm's church? In Tooting, south London, near Tooting Bec and close to the boundaries with Balham and Streatham. When was the present church built? Work began in 1932 and the building was ready by Easter 1933. Who designed it? John Bernard Mendham. Is it a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II listed. Where does the name Tooting Bec come from? From the abbey of Bec in Normandy, which received the local manor after the Norman Conquest. Can I go inside? It is an active parish church, so access depends on service and opening times. It is best to check in advance.

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.

St Lawrence Church

Ipswich

St Lawrence Church is a 15th-century Grade II* listed building on Dial Lane in the centre of Ipswich, Suffolk. It no longer serves as a working parish church. Since 2008 it has operated as a community café and gallery, a good example of how medieval architecture can find a new daily purpose in a modern town. What does the church look like? The west tower is the most recognisable feature. Work on it began around 1431, funded by John Bottold. In 1882 the upper stage was rebuilt in a richly decorated Victorian manner by the London firm Barnes and Gaye, with the design associated with Frederick Barnes. The result stands out among nearby buildings and makes a handy landmark when exploring the old town. The nave has Perpendicular Gothic windows set between buttresses. They date from after 1449 and were paid for by John Baldwyn, who died that year. They are a typical example of late medieval English church building. What is the history of St Lawrence? The Victorian works of 1882 also changed the interior. According to Wikipedia, the central aisle of the nave was removed, reportedly to discourage High Anglican worship. Over time the parish emptied out. By the early 1970s almost nobody lived within its boundaries, so the church was declared redundant and the Ipswich Historic Churches Trust took responsibility for the building. It then spent years in poor condition. Ipswich Borough Council and Suffolk County Council worked out a new future for it. The restoration cost 1.2 million pounds, covered by the borough council and UK government grants. In July 2008 the church reopened as a community café and gallery. Bells and archaeology The tower holds a ring of five bells, regarded as among the oldest of their kind in the world. They returned to the tower in 2009 after a quarter of a century away. It is suggested that Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, born in Ipswich around 1471, heard them as a young man. During the 2008 works the floor monuments in the nave and chancel were recorded. Most turned out to have been moved from their original positions during major reordering in the mid to late 19th century. Frequently asked questions Can I go inside? Yes. The building works as a community space with a café and gallery. Check opening hours with local sources before visiting. Where is it? On Dial Lane, in central Ipswich, close to the main shopping streets and the old town. Is it still a parish church? No. The parish was declared redundant in the early 1970s, and the Ipswich Historic Churches Trust looks after the building. Who is it for? Anyone interested in Gothic architecture, local history or bells, and anyone wanting a quiet coffee in a historic interior while visiting Ipswich. How long should I allow? About an hour is usually enough, including a look at the tower from outside and a coffee inside.

St John the Baptist's Church

Penyffordd

St John the Baptist's Church, Penyffordd St John the Baptist's Church is a Grade II* listed Gothic Revival church in Penymynydd, part of the community of Penyffordd in Flintshire, north-east Wales. Built in the 1840s, it is regarded as one of the finest Victorian village churches in the area and is the only active church in Penymynydd today. What is the history of the church? The church dates from 1843 and was paid for by Sir Stephen Glynne of Hawarden and his family, a prominent local landowning family. Building costs were reported at more than £3,000, a considerable sum for a rural parish at the time. Sources spell the patron's surname both as Glynne and Gwynne, but the connection with the Hawarden estate is consistent. The design is attributed to the architect John Buckler, who worked in the Gothic Revival manner popular in the mid-nineteenth century. Its listing at Grade II*, a category reserved for particularly important buildings, was confirmed in 1997 by Cadw, the Welsh heritage body. Only a small share of listed buildings in Wales hold this higher grade. What does the building look like? The church follows a clear and compact plan: an aisleless nave; a west tower that doubles as the entrance porch; a chancel that is narrower and lower than the nave; an octagonal vestry on the south-east side. It stands in its own churchyard on the north side of the A5104, at the northern end of Penymynydd. The churchyard is still used as a cemetery. What can you see inside? The interior is the main reason to visit. The nave is covered by a false hammerbeam roof, a decorative timber structure that gives the impression of a medieval hall without carrying the load of a true hammerbeam. The painted decoration here is restrained. In the chancel the scheme becomes richer, with more elaborate gilded decoration that draws the eye towards the altar. The painted interior is linked to the first priest-in-charge, the Rev. John Ellis Troughton, who shaped the early appearance of the church. The stained glass includes a window of around 1910 by James Powell & Sons, a well-known London glassmaking firm. The glass is catalogued in Welsh stained-glass records, which makes it of interest to anyone following this craft across Wales. Is it worth a visit? Yes, if you enjoy Victorian architecture, church interiors or local history. The church is small, and a visit takes under an hour, but the quality of its decoration sets it apart from more modest village churches. It also fits well into a wider route through Flintshire, close to the Welsh border with Cheshire. Frequently asked questions Where is St John the Baptist's Church? In Penymynydd, in the Penyffordd area of Flintshire, on the A5104 road. When was it built? In 1843. What is its heritage status? It is a Grade II* listed building. Is the church still in use? Yes. It is the village's church, and its churchyard serves as a cemetery. Check locally for service times and opening hours before you travel. Who designed it? The architect John Buckler, in Gothic Revival style.

Shree Geeta Bhawan

Birmingham

Shree Geeta Bhawan is a Hindu temple in Birmingham, standing at 107-117 Heathfield Road on the corner of Brecon Road. It sits on the border of the Handsworth and Lozells districts and is recognised as the first Hindu temple in the West Midlands of England. It opened in 1969, inside a building that had been built as a church. What is Shree Geeta Bhawan? The temple is a place of worship for the local Hindu community, run by the community itself. Its name honours the Bhagavad Gita, one of the sacred texts of Hinduism. "Shree" means holy and "Bhawan" means temple, so the name can be read as "holy house of the Gita". The Birmingham Images archive records the building as re-opened as a Hindu temple and renamed Shri Geeta Bhawan Mandir. Why is the building unusual? Before it became a temple, the site was St George's Presbyterian Church. The church was designed by the architect J. P. Osborne in 1896 and cost about £5,000, including the price of the land. When the Hindu community took over the building in 1969, it kept the Victorian church structure and gave it a new purpose. Visitors who walk along Heathfield Road will notice a building that looks quite different from a typical purpose-built temple. In 2009 the exterior was redesigned, with new stupas and a new entrance. Carved wooden doors for the building were made in India. The community also raised funds for a large extension at the rear, which houses a community hall and a kitchen. How did the temple begin? The story starts before the church building. Local families first met in small groups in each other's houses. Early services were held at 32 Hall Road in Birmingham, before the growing congregation found a larger home on Heathfield Road. The 1969 opening was an important moment for Hindus in the region, because no earlier Hindu temple existed in the West Midlands. Why does it matter beyond Handsworth? The temple has a role in the wider story of Hinduism in the Midlands. In the 1970s, Vaishnavite Telugu migrants living around Birmingham gathered at this Gujarati-run temple to worship Venkateswara. That worship later grew into the Shri Venkateswara (Balaji) Temple in Tividale. Shree Geeta Bhawan is therefore a starting point for more than one community institution in the region. Where is it and how do you get there? The temple lies in north-west Birmingham, in the Handsworth and Lozells area. Its coordinates are roughly 52.5057, -1.91108. The address is 107-117 Heathfield Road, at the junction with Brecon Road. Frequently asked questions When did Shree Geeta Bhawan open? It opened as a Hindu temple in 1969. Some sources list a different establishment date, but 1969 is the date given by most of them. Was it always a temple? No. The building was originally St George's Presbyterian Church, designed in 1896. What does the name mean? It refers to the Bhagavad Gita; "Shree" means holy and "Bhawan" means temple. Where exactly is it? At 107-117 Heathfield Road, on the corner of Brecon Road, between Handsworth and Lozells in Birmingham.

St Canna's Church

St Canna's Church stands in the small village of Llangan in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. It is a quiet rural parish church whose churchyard holds one of the finest medieval crosses in the region, and it is a rewarding stop for anyone exploring the countryside west of Cardiff. What is St Canna's Church? It is an Anglican parish church dedicated to St Canna, a saint of the early Welsh church. The village name, Llangan, follows the Welsh custom of naming a settlement after the "llan", the enclosure of a saint. The building dates from the 12th or 13th century, though the church you see today is much altered. How old is the building, and what has changed? The church has had a difficult history. Records state that it was rebuilt in 1820, yet by 1875 it was described as abandoned and overgrown, and a publication a few years later said it was about to be taken down. It survived, and Victorian builders carried out major work in 1856 and again in 1869. Much of the original character was lost in these campaigns. Later records note that by 1901 the church was regarded as having been almost entirely rebuilt, with fragments of earlier memorials set into its walls. Visitors should expect a Victorian-era interior on a much older site rather than an untouched medieval one. What is the churchyard cross? The most important feature is outside. The cross in the churchyard is protected as a Grade I listed monument, the highest category of listing in Wales. Heritage assessments describe it as wholly medieval, dated to the 15th century, and show it as complete, unaltered and never rebuilt. That makes it a rare survivor. Its carved head and shaft reward a close look, especially in low light when the stonework casts shadows. Is there an earlier cross? Yes. In 1909 pieces of a pre-Norman cross were found in the garden of the church rectory. It is dated to the ninth century. The fragments were not intact when found and were pieced together. Early medieval carved stones of this kind are valuable evidence of Christian activity in Wales long before the Normans arrived. Who was Rev. David Jones? In the late 18th century Llangan became an important religious centre because of its vicar, David Jones, an early supporter of Calvinistic Methodism in Wales. His preaching drew people to the village. A stained glass window behind the altar, dating from 1932, commemorates him. Practical tips for visitors The village is small and rural, so the best way to arrive is by car or on a country walk through the Vale of Glamorgan. Allow around 30 to 45 minutes to see the church, the churchyard and the crosses. Interior access can depend on local arrangements, so check ahead if you want to go inside. Respect the churchyard, which is an active burial ground. Frequently asked questions Who was St Canna? She is an early Welsh saint to whom the church is dedicated. Is the church medieval? The site and parts of its history are medieval, but heavy Victorian rebuilding changed most of the building. What is the most notable thing to see? The Grade I listed medieval cross in the churchyard. Is there anything older than the cross? Yes, a ninth-century pre-Norman cross, found in 1909 in the rectory garden. Who is commemorated inside? The vicar David Jones, remembered in a 1932 stained glass window. St Canna's Church is a modest place, but its crosses and layered history make it a worthwhile detour for anyone interested in Welsh heritage and early Christianity.

St Alban's Church, Wallasey

Wallasey

St Alban's Church in Wallasey is an active Roman Catholic church on Mill Lane in Liscard, on the Wirral peninsula in Merseyside. It belongs to the diocese of Shrewsbury and is recorded in the National Heritage List for England as a Grade II listed building. It is a good stop for anyone interested in Victorian Gothic Revival architecture and in the history of Catholic communities in northwest England. Where is St Alban's Church? The church stands in Liscard, one of the main districts of Wallasey, on the Wirral side of the River Mersey. Mill Lane is a short walk from the Liscard shopping area, and the coordinates are roughly 53.418 N, 3.045 W. Wallasey is easy to combine with a visit to the seafront or a day trip from Liverpool. Who designed St Alban's Church and when was it built? The church was designed by Stephen R. Eyre and Joseph Hansom and built in 1852-53, with the foundation stone laid in June 1852. Hansom is best remembered today as the architect behind the hansom cab and as a prolific designer of Catholic churches. The building is described as a Puginian Gothic church, meaning that it follows the principles of the Gothic Revival promoted by A. W. N. Pugin, who favoured medieval forms for Catholic worship. Why was a Catholic church built in Wallasey? In the early nineteenth century Wallasey was growing, and so was its Catholic population. Records show a rise from only six Catholics in 1825 to around 290 by 1841. A school opened in 1842, and the church followed a decade later. St Alban's therefore reflects a wider story of Catholic revival in England after the long period of restrictions on public worship. What happened to the church over time? The plan for the church was reduced to save money, and this later led to subsidence problems that the parish had to deal with. During the Second World War, bomb damage in 1941 destroyed the high altar fittings and the east window. A programme of repairs and reordering was carried out in 2003, so the interior combines Victorian fabric with later changes. Why is St Alban's Church listed? The church was given Grade II status in 1988 (list entry number 1273542). Grade II is the most common level of listing in England and covers buildings of special interest that are worth preserving. For St Alban's, the listing recognises the work of its architects and its place among the Gothic Revival churches built for Catholic congregations in the 1850s. Visiting tips St Alban's is a working parish church, so be respectful during services and check the parish times before you plan a visit. Photography of the exterior is easy from Mill Lane; if you want to see the interior, ask whether the church is open. Pair the visit with other places in Liscard and Wallasey, such as the nearby Liscard Hall grounds and the Wirral seafront. Frequently asked questions Is St Alban's Church open to visitors? It is an active parish church. Opening hours depend on services and parish activities, so check locally before your visit. Who designed St Alban's Church? Stephen R. Eyre and Joseph Hansom, in the Gothic Revival style. When was it built? Between 1852 and 1853. Is St Alban's Church a listed building? Yes. It has been Grade II listed since 1988. Which diocese does it belong to? The Roman Catholic diocese of Shrewsbury.

Hyde Chapel

Tameside

Hyde Chapel is a Unitarian chapel in Gee Cross, a former village now part of the town of Hyde in Tameside, Greater Manchester. It stands on Knott Lane and is one of the more interesting places of worship in the borough. The present building dates from 1846–1848 and is Grade II listed. What is the history of Hyde Chapel? The first chapel on the site was built in 1708, largely under Presbyterian leadership. For more than a century it served as the main church of the area. That changed in 1832, when St George's Church opened in the centre of Hyde and gave many parishioners a closer place to worship. In the middle of the 19th century the old building was replaced. The Manchester firm Bowman and Crowther designed the new chapel, and construction ran from 1846 to 1848. Sources vary slightly on the details of the older chapel's replacement, but the dates for the current building agree. What makes the architecture distinctive? The chapel follows a plan resembling an English parish church. It is described as reputedly one of the first Nonconformist chapels built in that form. For a visitor, that means a building which from the outside can easily be mistaken for an Anglican church, even though it belongs to a different tradition. Its Grade II listing protects both the structure and its character. Who served here, and how does the congregation see itself? The Revd Henry Enfield Dowson arrived as minister in 1867. He served for 51 years and then spent another seven as minister emeritus. In 1917 he was made an Honorary Freeman of the Borough of Hyde, and a bust of him stands inside the chapel today. The congregation has long avoided doctrinal labels. It is said to follow the position of James Martineau: no label other than Christian is needed, and no name other than Hyde Chapel is appropriate. Where is Gee Cross and what is the surrounding area like? Gee Cross was part of Cheshire until 1974, when the creation of Greater Manchester placed it in a new administrative setting, with the village falling within the borough of Tameside. The chapel lies close to the centre of Hyde, east of Manchester, making it a sensible stop for anyone interested in the architecture and religious history of north-west England. Frequently asked questions Where is Hyde Chapel? On Knott Lane in Gee Cross, Hyde, in the borough of Tameside (Greater Manchester, England). When was the current building constructed? Between 1846 and 1848, to a design by Bowman and Crowther of Manchester. Is the chapel a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II listed. What denomination is it? It is a Unitarian chapel with roots in early 18th-century Presbyterianism. Is it the same Hyde Chapel as the one in Wisconsin? No. A different chapel of the same name stands in Ridgeway, Wisconsin, in the United States. This description concerns the one in Tameside. What else is worth seeing? The interior with the bust of Revd Dowson, plus the village of Gee Cross and the centre of Hyde.

Christ Church (Garrison Church of Swansea)

Christ Church (Garrison Church of Swansea) is a Grade II listed Anglican church in Swansea, Wales, standing on Oystermouth Road almost opposite County Hall. It is also known as the Garrison Church of Swansea. How did Christ Church begin? The congregation started in 1863, meeting in a schoolroom in the Sandfields area. It grew enough that in 1871 it was made a parish of its own, carved out of St Mary's. A donor, John Williams Clark, paid for the building. The architect was J. T. Nicholson of Hereford, and construction ran from 1871 to 1872. The church opened in 1872 at a cost of roughly £3,000. What does the building look like? The church was built in the Early English style, a phase of English Gothic, with windows featuring geometrical tracery. Its gabled front faces south toward Oystermouth Road, so the building is easy to spot from the street. It has not stayed the same over time. The church was altered in 1879, enlarged in 1883, and changed again in 1897 and 1910. The most significant remodelling came in 1912-13 to designs by E. M. Bruce Vaughan, and it shaped much of what visitors see today. Is the stained glass worth seeing? Yes, it is one of the interior's highlights. The church holds glass by several noted makers: W. H. Constable of Cambridge (1879), C. E. Kempe (1897) and C. C. Powell (1937). Together they show how styles shifted over nearly sixty years. Why is it called the Garrison Church? The nickname "Garrison Church of Swansea" points to the church's link with the military and the town's garrison. It is part of the building's official name in heritage records, so it is worth searching for under that form too. Frequently asked questions Where is Christ Church in Swansea? On Oystermouth Road, close to the city centre and opposite County Hall. The coordinates are roughly 51.614 N, 3.952 W. When was the church built? Between 1871 and 1872, opening in 1872. Who designed it? J. T. Nicholson of Hereford. The major later remodelling of 1912-13 was by E. M. Bruce Vaughan. Is it a listed building? Yes. It has Grade II status, granted on 30 March 1987. What stained glass can I see? Work by W. H. Constable, C. E. Kempe and C. C. Powell, dating from 1879, 1897 and 1937. Who will enjoy a visit? The church suits fans of Victorian architecture, local history and stained glass. Because it sits on one of Swansea's main roads, it is easy to combine with a walk along the seafront side of the city. Before visiting, check the parish for current opening hours and service times, as the interior is not always open to visitors.

Church of St Michael and All Angels

Church of St Michael and All Angels is a medieval parish church at the western end of Colwinston, a small village in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. It is a Grade I listed building, a category reserved for structures of exceptional national interest, and one of the more rewarding stops for anyone exploring the rural heritage of the region. Where is the church and how do you get there? Colwinston lies in the Vale of Glamorgan, an area of gentle farmland and small villages between Cardiff and the Bridgend coast. The church stands on the western edge of the village, so you can easily combine a visit with a walk through the village lanes. Having a car makes the area much simpler to explore, as villages here are spread out and public transport is limited. Check opening arrangements locally before you travel, as small parish churches are not always open on set hours. What is the history of the church? Sources agree that the church dates from the 12th century, although the exact founding date is disputed. Some local sources mention 1111, while the better documented date is 1141, when Maurice de Londres confirmed a donation of the church. In that year it was granted to the Abbey of St Peter in Gloucester, and it later became part of the endowments of Ewenny Priory, a dependent house of Benedictine monks nearby. For centuries the building was therefore tied to monastic life in the wider region. What does the architecture look like? The oldest part is a rectangular Romanesque nave. A chancel was added in the 13th century, and in the late 15th or early 16th century a square tower was built at the western end of the nave. The font and the chancel arch are thought to be Norman work from the 12th century. The chancel arch is especially interesting: it preserves remains of a medieval wall painting arranged in two registers and showing scenes from the Life of St Nicholas. Surviving medieval wall paintings are rare in Wales, so this detail is worth looking for inside. Outside, the walls are entirely rendered and limewashed, giving the church a light, uniform appearance typical of many Welsh parish churches. How has the church changed over time? The church was restored in 1879 by H. J. Williams of Bristol, in the Victorian period when many medieval churches across Britain were repaired. A fire in 1971 caused damage and led to further renovation work. More recently, with grant aid from the Heritage Lottery Fund, Cadw and the Historic Churches Preservation Trust, architects were appointed to repair the exterior, install a new heating system and extend the building, so that the ancient church could continue to serve the community. What else is protected here? The churchyard cross and the churchyard wall are each listed separately at Grade II. Take a few minutes to walk around the grounds, look at the cross and consider how the medieval layout of the site survives next to modern additions. Frequently asked questions Is the church old? Yes. It dates from the 12th century, with a documented link to 1141, and later additions from the 13th and the late 15th or early 16th century. What is the listing status? Grade I for the church, Grade II for the churchyard cross and the churchyard wall. What is the main feature inside? The remains of a medieval wall painting on the chancel arch, showing the Life of St Nicholas, as well as the Norman font. Was the church damaged? A fire in 1971 led to renovation work, and the building had earlier been restored in 1879. Who owned the church in the Middle Ages? It was granted to the Abbey of St Peter in Gloucester and later formed part of the endowments of Ewenny Priory. Is it worth a visit? If you enjoy medieval architecture, Norman details and quiet village settings, yes. It suits a short stop during a wider trip through the Vale of Glamorgan.

St Mary Magdalene's Church

St Mary Magdalene's Church stands in Mawdlam, a small hamlet in Bridgend County Borough, South Wales, close to the village of Kenfig. It is a medieval parish church with a square west tower, and it has Grade II* listed status, a rating given to particularly important buildings in Wales. What is St Mary Magdalene's Church? It is a stone church made up of a nave, a chancel and a west tower. Heritage records place its origins in the 13th century, with construction dated to 1245-1265. The Coflein archaeological record notes that the church is first mentioned in documents in 1255. Sources date the addition of the tower to around 1300, onto an earlier single-cell building. Why is the church in Mawdlam? The church has a close link with Kenfig, a medieval settlement on the coast whose original church of St James was gradually swallowed by shifting sand dunes. St Mary Magdalene's began as a chapelry, a subordinate place of worship, attached to that first Kenfig church. A charter from the years 1149-1183 records the Kenfig church as built around 1150. As the dunes advanced over the old town, the community around Mawdlam grew, and the name Mawdlam is a worn-down form of "Magdalene". What does the building look like? The church sits in a curvilinear churchyard, a rounded enclosure that measures roughly 58 metres across according to Coflein. A rounded boundary of this kind is often a sign of a long-established religious site. The square west tower gives the building a sturdy, simple profile typical of medieval churches in the region. What changes has it seen over the centuries? The church was restored in 1878 by the architect John Pritchard, at a cost of about 500 pounds. Later, between 1891 and 1894, the chancel was rebuilt by Waller & Son of Gloucester. These Victorian works mean the building you see today combines medieval fabric with nineteenth-century rebuilding. The churchyard also contains a listed chest tomb, which has its own heritage entry as a separate protected structure. Who will enjoy a visit? The church suits anyone interested in medieval architecture, local history in South Wales, or the story of how the sands of Kenfig reshaped the surrounding settlements. It is a modest rural church rather than a major tourist attraction, so a visit is usually a short stop combined with exploring the nearby Kenfig area and its dunes. Frequently asked questions Where is St Mary Magdalene's Church? In Mawdlam, Bridgend County Borough, Wales, at coordinates around 51.5238, -3.7216. How old is the church? Records date it to the 13th century, with a first documentary mention in 1255. Is it a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II* listed. Why is it connected to Kenfig? It began as a chapelry of the original St James' church in Kenfig, which was buried by sand. When was it restored? In 1878, with the chancel rebuilt between 1891 and 1894.

London Buddhist Centre

London

London Buddhist Centre is a Buddhist temple on Roman Road in Bethnal Green, East London, in the borough of Tower Hamlets. It is the main base of the London Triratna Buddhist Community, and it occupies one of the more unusual buildings you can visit in this part of the city: a Victorian fire station. What is the London Buddhist Centre? The centre is a place of meditation and Buddhist practice open to the public. Its home is an ornate, vernacular redbrick building completed in 1888 and used by the London Fire Brigade until 1969. Today it works as a temple and community hub for the Triratna movement in the capital. What is the history of the building? The fire station served the neighbourhood for more than eight decades. After the brigade left in 1969 the building stood empty and was damaged by fire in the 1970s. Volunteers then renovated it for its new purpose, and the centre opened in 1978. Sources differ on how the group came to hold the premises: one account says the council gifted the building, while the Victoria County History records a lease from the Greater London Council in 1975. Further major improvements were completed in 2009. What can you do there? The centre is known for its programme of classes, including meditation, yoga and mindfulness. Most classes are offered on a donation basis, which makes them easy to try without a fixed price. The meditation and yoga rooms are reached by stairs leading down from the courtyard, so allow a little time to find your way on a first visit. What should you look at from outside? Even if you do not plan to join a class, the exterior is worth a stop. The decorative redbrick facade stands on the corner of Roman Road and Globe Road and reflects the civic architecture of the late Victorian period. The contrast between a former fire station and a modern Buddhist temple is the main reason the building stands out on a walk through Bethnal Green. How do you find it? The address is 51 Roman Road, Bethnal Green, London. The building is Grade II listed. Roman Road itself is a lively local street, so a visit combines easily with a walk through the surrounding East End neighbourhood. Check the centre's current timetable before you go, as classes and opening hours change. Frequently asked questions Where is the London Buddhist Centre? On Roman Road in Bethnal Green, in the London Borough of Tower Hamlets. When was the building constructed? It was completed in 1888 as a fire station and served the London Fire Brigade until 1969. When did the centre open? In 1978, after volunteers renovated the fire-damaged building. Which community runs it? It is the main base of the London Triratna Buddhist Community. Do the classes cost money? Most classes run on a donation basis, but confirm details with the centre before visiting.

Aylesford Priory

Tonbridge and Malling

Aylesford Priory, also known as The Friars, is a former Carmelite monastery beside the River Medway in Kent, in south-east England. It is a pilgrimage destination of national significance, and also a quiet complex of historic buildings, gardens and a working pottery that you can visit without a ticket. How did the priory begin? The Carmelite order arrived in England from Mount Carmel in the Holy Land and settled at Aylesford in 1242. A crusader, Richard de Grey, sponsored the friars and gave the order a parcel of land on his manor. Sources describe it as the site of the order's first General Chapter outside the Holy Land, which helped shift the Carmelites from a hermit tradition towards that of mendicant friars. What happened to it afterwards? The friars were forced out in 1538 during the Reformation, and the buildings were converted into a grand private residence. After a fire in 1930 the site was restored, and in 1949 the estate returned to the Carmelites. Refurbishment revealed 15th-century remains. The manor house was Grade I listed in 1959, and on 25 February 1987 the 15th-century gatehouse and the north-eastern section of the wall received the same status. What is there to see? the medieval courtyard and historic buildings, 17th-century thatched barns, a pilgrims' hostelry dating from the late 13th century, chapels, the Peace Garden and the Rosary Way, contemporary sculpture and artworks, including pieces by Adam Kossowski. Modern art sits alongside medieval architecture, so a visit spans several centuries. Why do pilgrims come here? The priory holds a shrine containing relics of St Simon Stock, a Carmelite associated with the tradition of the scapular. Many visitors also come simply for the calm and a stroll through the grounds. Is there a pottery at Aylesford Priory? Yes. Aylesford Pottery was founded in 1953 by David Leach and still operates within the priory precincts. It is one of the few surviving commercial craft potteries in the south-east of England, and visitors can look in to watch the potters at work. A tea room and gift shop are also on site. Frequently asked questions Is entry free? According to online information, entry to The Friars is free and the site is open year-round. The pottery, tea room and shop keep set, seasonal hours, so check current details before you go. Where is Aylesford Priory? In the village of Aylesford in Kent, near the River Medway, in the Tonbridge and Malling area. Who owns it? Since 1949 it has again belonged to the Carmelite order, which regained its first English house. Who is it for? History, architecture and modern art lovers, pilgrims, and anyone after a peaceful short outing.

Our Lady and St Paulinus, Dewsbury

Kirklees

Our Lady and St Paulinus in Dewsbury is a Roman Catholic parish church in the town of Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, within the borough of Kirklees. The Gothic Revival building on Cemetery Road is Grade II listed and stands among the more interesting examples of nineteenth-century church architecture in this part of England. How did the church come about? Catholic Mass has been celebrated in Dewsbury since 1841. For years the community met in a school that doubled as a chapel, and it only gained a resident priest in 1865. A growing congregation soon needed a larger building. The foundation stone of the present church was laid in 1867, and it opened in June 1871. The design is by Edward Welby Pugin, one of the best-known English Gothic Revival architects and the son of Augustus Welby Pugin, who shaped many Catholic churches of the Victorian age. The architect's name is the main reason the building attracts architecture enthusiasts. What is there to see outside and inside? The church has a tall, slender profile typical of the Gothic Revival. It stands on a substructure that contains a parish hall, which dealt with the lie of the land and gave the community extra space. Inside, you can trace the stages of the parish's history: a new high altar was installed in 1884, a Lady altar was added in 1930, the baptistery in the south-west became a war memorial chapel in 1919, the east end was reordered in 1984, and the original pulpit was reduced in size. The windows in the apse date from the 1890s and are attributed to Hardman, a respected stained glass workshop that supplied many Gothic Revival churches across England. Is this the same as Dewsbury Minster? No. Dewsbury also has the Anglican Minster Church of All Saints, which has Saxon roots and a link to Saint Paulinus. The church described here is a separate Catholic parish, named for Our Lady and for Saint Paulinus, who preached Christianity in northern England in the seventh century. Keep this in mind when planning a visit, since both places are in the same town and have similar names. Frequently asked questions Where is the church? On Cemetery Road in Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, at roughly 53.6875 N, 1.6413 W. Who designed it? Edward Welby Pugin. Building began in 1867 and the church opened in 1871. Is it a listed building? Yes, it is Grade II listed. Is it a Catholic church? Yes, it is a Roman Catholic parish church. The Anglican Minster of All Saints is a different building in the same town. Who is it best suited to? Visitors interested in Victorian architecture, the Pugin legacy and the history of Catholicism in industrial northern England. It is a working parish church, so be respectful and allow for service times.