St Mary's Church, Cardigan, United Kingdom

St Mary's Church was both the priory church of the medieval Benedictine Cardigan Priory and a parish church. It continues as a parish church.

While the church was a 12th century foundation, the present building dates from the fourteenth century, although substantially rebuilt. In the thirteenth century St Mary's Priory church was the site of the shrine of Our Lady of the Taper, which was demolished at the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

The porch was rebuilt in 1639. In 1705, the tower collapsed; it was rebuilt over the next 40 years and was finally completed in 1748.

The stained glass window in the east wall of the chancel was installed in 1924, and depicts the Crucifixion with the Virgin Mary and St John. Surviving fragments of fifteenth century glass are set in the upper tracery lights.

Dr David Rowlands, Inspector of H.M. Hospitals and Fleets, Royal Navy, died in 1846. He is commemorated by a memorial tablet inside the church.

References:

Wikipedia

Religious sites in United Kingdom

User Reviews

Eliot Collins (4 years ago)
St Mary's Church in Cardigan was the medieval priory church of the Benedictine Chertsey Abbey, the other buildings of which are under the hospital. The Grade II listed structure was largely rebuilt in the 18th century after the tower collapse. The chancel, with its embattled parapets, seems much older than the rest of the structure. Inside, the nave is large and simple, but the chancel features a large amount of interesting wood carvings, including the choirs stalls, altar and reredos.

Live At The Cellar (4 years ago)
There is something very special about old churches ☺ The old buttressed square tower, the ancient stonework and beautiful doorways. This is a gem from a bygone era of architecture. Almost impossible to recreate these days, this gorgeous example is well worth a visit if you are in the area. Typically these days, if there is no service, the door will probably be locked ? Still, a peaceful and lovely place ?

Chris Heydon (5 years ago)
It's OK if u like churches

JORDAN DANIELS (5 years ago)

Damien Mellor (5 years ago)

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Photo from Flickr, copyright Robert Anders

Historic Site of the week

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is a stone theatre structure located on the southwest slope of the Acropolis of Athens. It was built in 161 AD by the Athenian magnate Herodes Atticus in memory of his wife, Aspasia Annia Regilla. It was originally a steep-sloped theater with a three-story stone front wall and a wooden roof made of expensive cedar of Lebanon timber. It was used as a venue for music concerts with a capacity of 5,000. It lasted intact until it was destroyed and left in ruins by the Heruli in 267 AD.

The audience stands and the orchestra (stage) were restored using Pentelic marble in the 1950s. Since then it has been the main venue of the Athens Festival, which runs from May through October each year, featuring a variety of acclaimed Greek as well as International performances.

Do you know an ancient castle or magnificent church near you?

Why not share it with other people interested in history? You can add your own historic sites and attractions to SpottingHistory.com.

It's absolutely free, easy, and doesn't even need registration!

Upload data

St Mary's Church

Address

Details

More Information

Rating

Interesting Sites Nearby

User Reviews

Featured Historic Landmarks, Sites & Buildings

Gothic Cathedrals of Belgium

Migthy Cathar Castles

Hidden Gems of Finnish Archipelago

Historic Site of the week

Odeon of Herodes Atticus

Looks like you are a history fan!