St Bridget's Church, St Brides Wentlooge / Llansanffraid Gwynllwg

Our first church looked enchanting, and largely 15th century....... strange to believe that demolition was actually suggested in the early 1990s. By then the church was in a sorry state, and over £200,000 was spent here, by Cadw and the Heritage Fund on proviso that the church be accessible to visitors (although it was locked, a key was available from the Chuchwardens).

The church is used for functions as well, the north chapel screened off to make a sort of cafe area, and the nave west end and tower is also screened off from the rest to create a hall area. The north arcade is surprisingly rich with image niches on the piers and responds. In the “hall” a marvellous tiled stove, probably 19th century and originally in domestic use I would suggest. The pews with integral lamps and large pulpit came from St Mary in Swansea. Six bells hang in the tower (which we climbed) but these are now rung carillon fashion rather than swung. Next we were out on the roof, where if it were not for the mist we could have seen all the way to Somerset and Weston super Mare (we were told).

(Information provided by Phil Draper)