This ancient parish church of Llanmaes (Community in the Meadow) is dedicated to Almighty God in honour of St Cadoc (Cattwg the Wise), a sixth century Celtic saint. The present building, Norman in style, dates from early in the 13th century, 1234 (an easy date to remember) but was constructed on a much older foundation - possibly as early as the 5th or 6th century. The archaeologists excavating the bronze age site in the village, recently have been most interested in the curved churchyard boundary wall and said this often indicates an ancient worship site.
This delightful village and church seems somewhat to have escaped the history books although, on Tuesday 4th April 1749, John Wesley wrote in his journal, “At twelve I preached at Lanmais, to a loving, earnest people, who do not desire to be any wiser than God.” Legend has it that he preached to the village from the base of the preaching cross which still stands in the churchyard. The preaching cross base is one of two listed monuments in the churchyard, the other being the railed vault tomb situated outside of the east window.
Originally a small tower stood on the north side of the church, which housed a fourteenth century bell. In the 1630s this was replaced with a large new square tower to the west of the church. The 1377 bell was moved there and was eventually joined by a further two. In Victorian times (1882), a north window in the nave was added next to the medieval wall painting of St George and the Dragon. In spite of its great age, the church has become well known in recent years for a wedding that did not happen, namely, the wedding of the fictional Gavin and Stacey from the television series of that name.
Services
Morning Worship every Sunday at 11 am
Everyone in Llanmaes, whether resident or visitor is most welcome to join the congregation at any or all our services.
During the COVID emergency, St Cattwg’s Church will remain closed and locked. It is hoped that church services will resume in late November 2020.
Other events
Remembrance Sunday 2020
Sadly, we are unable to hold the Remembrance Service on Sunday 8 November 2020 as planned.
The churchyard is open, and people are welcome to visit and place poppies or wreaths on graves, including the two war graves, in the usual way.
Please be aware of social distancing whilst in the churchyard.
Nine Lessons & Carols
Midnight Mass - Details to be confirmed
Contacts
Rector: Rev'd Canon Edwin Counsell. 01446 794503
Team Vicar: Fr Craig Vaughan. 01656 890468
Reader: Sue Moll, 01446 750237
Church Wardens: Jeff Robinson, 01446 793932 and Kerry Veale, 01446 793032