Church of St Margaret Marloes

The Church of St Margaret Marloes dates from the 14th and 15th centuries with restoration work being undertaken in 1878 and again in 1900. The church has a round churchyard, an indication that this site has likely been used since prehistoric times. A tombstone dating back to the fifth century was found in the churchyard. It is believed that Saint Cynin founded the church as one of a series of missionary stations in the fifth century.

An Ogham stone was found in the churchyard prior to 1900. The stone's inscription is in Latin and Celtic, with the word 'ingenia' being substituted for the Latin word 'filia'. This type of Ogham stone inscription was common in Ireland, but was the only example of it outside of Ireland when it was discovered at the church.

The church is a small building set in a hollow. It was said to be ruinous in 1710 and has a sprocketed, eighteenth-century roof. There is good stained glass windows, and a large carved oak altar and church fittings dating from 1882. Margaret Marloes, to whom it is dedicated, was the niece of Guy de Brian, Lord of Laugharne; a fourteenth-century effigy of her was brought inside the church from the churchyard in 1902 as it was getting badly eroded.

References:

• Wikipedia

Address

Dyffryn Road, Eglwyscummin, United Kingdom

Details

Founded: 14th century
Category: Religious sites in United Kingdom