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.

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User Reviews

J. Song (2 years ago)
Attended the Wednesday communion service it was wonderful. U feel Peace after the service session. Suitable for line rangers and self satire solo travelers like me. Coffee and tea sessions at the end of the service!

Karen Dykes (2 years ago)
Fitness weekly great job

Eliot Collins (6 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 (6 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 (7 years ago)
It's OK if u like churches

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Visby Cathedral (also known as St. Mary’s Church) is the only survived medieval church in Visby. It was originally built for German merchants and inaugurated in 1225. Around the year 1350 the church was enlarged and converted into a basilica. The two-storey magazine was also added then above the nave as a warehouse for merchants.

Following the Reformation, the church was transformed into a parish church for the town of Visby. All other churches were abandoned. Shortly after the Reformation, in 1572, Gotland was made into its own Diocese, and the church designated its cathedral.

There is not much left of the original interior. The font is made of local red marble in the 13th century. The pulpit was made in Lübeck in 1684. There are 400 graves under the church floor.

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