St Collen's Church

Llangollen, United Kingdom

St Collen's Church is a parish church in the town of Llangollen, Denbighshire, Wales. The first church on the site was founded by Collen in the 6th century. Nothing of this building remains. A new church was built in the 13th century, in the Early English Gothic style. This was developed in the succeeding centuries, and then almost completely rebuilt in the 19th century. The architect of the Victorian reconstruction was Samuel Pountney Smith, who retained little of the earlier church, with the exception of the tower. The churchyard contains the grave of the Ladies of Llangollen, Eleanor Charlotte Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, and their servant Mary Carryl, who lived at the nearby Plas Newydd.

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Details

Founded: 13th century
Category: Religious sites in United Kingdom

More Information

en.wikipedia.org

Rating

4.5/5 (based on Google user reviews)

User Reviews

Alexandra Z (15 months ago)
Beautiful church with a small churchyard, located near a convenient parking, about 5 minute walk from the town centre. Very peaceful and great photo opportunities on a sunny or cloudy day. Parking is available just outside the churchyard, at the following prices: - up to 30 minutes = £0.50 - up to 1 hour = £1.00 - up to 3 hours = £2.00 - all day Mon-Sun (8am-6pm) = £4.00 - overnight (6pm-8am) = £4.00
Mel Latham (17 months ago)
I didn't actually go into the church however I was so impressed by the amazing blue plants growing against the church fence they were stunning. I couldn't find anyone who knew what they are and would love to find out ,if you are near the church go and have a look !
The Collen Players Llangollen (3 years ago)
The most striking part of the building is the fifteenth century carved oak hammer beam roof which is thought to have links with the monks at Valle Crucis Abbey. It is what we got in Wales while Michelangelo was working in Rome! It is believed to be the finest roof in Wales! There are fascinating depiction of beasts, flora and fauna and even an amusing story of 'the man who drank too much beer'! The oldest part of the church is the twelfth century vestry door which still has peepholes dating back to when those fleeing from the law would appear on the doorstep of the church and formally request sanctuary. The Ladies of Llangollen, Eleanor Butler and Sarah Ponsonby, famous for their romantic friendship, are buried in our churchyard and have a memorial plaque in the south aisle of the church. Gruffudd Hiraethog was one of the foremost poets of the sixteenth century. He compiled a Welsh dictionary with quotations from the works of the bards to illustrate their meanings. He was born in Llangollen and is also buried in the vault. Joy & laughter is at the heart of the spiritual life for this church: St Collen’s has its own performing troupe called The Collen Players who put on regular Music Hall & Variety shows in their community hall. .
Gwynfryn Evans (4 years ago)
Lovely parish church and useful hall and rooms.
Ross Spalding (7 years ago)
Very nice church. Look up at the wonderful wooden ceiling.
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