Llancarfan

Wales is famed for its myths and legends that speak of the mists of dragon's breath, Arthur and Guinevere, the Lady of the Lake and more. Here in Llancarfan in the picturesque Vale of Glamorgan you will find much mystery and history to uncover. Famed for the Church of St. Cadog that was established in about AD 515, it is a very important area for discovering much about the religious history of both Wales and Great Britain.

St. Cadog himself was an Abbot and Confessor who ruled Glamorgan as Abbot King from the Monastry in Llancarfan until just before his death in 570 and it seems likely that the original church in Pendoylan was founded by him during his lifetime. The present building that visitors will see today is in the Norman style and has a massive embattled western tower. According to records, The Church of St. Cadog was established around AD 515 after St. Cadog was noted to be wandering through the kingdom of Penychen. He was reported to his uncle, King Pawl, by a swineherd for disturbing his pigs. The swineherd had hoped for some compensation but, instead, found his land given to Cadog for the founding of a monastery. Not quite the outcome he was expecting!

Along with nearby Llanilltud Fawr, Llancarfan became the most celebrated of all Welsh monasteries and remains so today. It was especially famous as a seat of learning and its Abbots included the renowned author, St. Gildas. Though St. Cadog died in Calchfynedd, his body was returned to Llancarfan for burial where it became a major site for pilgrims from far and wide.

There is of course much more to this rich landscape than elderly building with stories to tell. The nature in this part of Wales is rich and varied, with a countryside that is criss-crossed by scenic walks that open your eyes to an incredible array of wildlife, flora and fauna. For nature lovers, this may be paradise found. You can join the Llancarfan Circular walk that ensures you get to see all the beautiful attractions. This walk will take you through the most interesting parts of the Vale and leave you filled with the sights, smells and sounds of nature at her finest. Some of the features you will come across during this walk include, the Church of St Cadoc, the much loved 16th century Fox & Hounds Public House (a focal point of village life here), White chapel, Walterston Fawr farmhouse, The Amelia Trust farm and the fascinating Iron Age Hillfort, of which it is said that Cromwell used during the British civil war to bombard Penmark castle.