GlamorganABERDAREStElvan(johnlordCC-BY-SA2.0)1 JohnLord

St Elvan

St Elvan Aberdare is a church of contrasts with white washed walls in the nave, beautifully painted floral ceilings in Arts & Crafts style fill the side chapels and 16 stained glass windows.

Aberdare, Glamorgan

Opening times

Saturdays from 10am to 2pm May to September.

Address

Church Street
Aberdare
Glamorgan
CF44 7LA

Once visitors step inside St Elvan there is always an exclamation of surprise as they take in the impressive height and breadth. The church truly earns its nickname of the ‘Cathedral of the Valleys.’

Situated in the centre of the town of Aberdare it’s 180ft spire can be seen for miles around. St Elvan's interior white washed walls are the backdrop for sixteen impressive stained glass windows, the largest of which tells the story of St Elvan and hints at Aberdare’s monastic past and the pilgrim trail to Penrys.

Hidden away in the Lady chapel is the lancet window that commemorates the church's founder. It depicts St Stephen the Martyr who was stoned to death, an ironic reminder of a challenging man who was as outspoken and contentious as he was benevolent. His contribution to the famous ‘Blue Books’ is still spoken of today.

The design of the Lady Chapel reflects the ideals of the Arts & Crafts movement and High Anglican worship. The walls and furniture overflow with symbols of lilies and foliage on blue green painted backgrounds. Completing the extravagance of decoration is a brightly coloured ‘Crucifixion’ window given by railway workers.

Many of the stories of St Elvan church intertwine with the iron and coal masters who together with Lord Merthyr developed Aberdare valley's mineral resources, parklands and churches. His family is included on eight of the windows. St Elvan has many fine examples of woodcarving. The finest is situated on the north wall of St Michael chapel.

This War Memorial, design by FC Eden, is adorned with five statues and lists the names and regiments of 222 men of the Parish who fought in the First World War. Research into the fate of the soldiers is left in the chapel for visitors.

  • Captivating architecture

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Famous connections

  • Glorious furnishings

  • Magnificent memorials

  • National heritage here

  • Social heritage stories

  • Spectacular stained glass

  • Accessible toilets in church

  • Bus stop within 100m

  • Car park at church

  • Dog friendly

  • Level access to the main areas

  • Parking within 250m

  • Ramp or level access available on request

  • Train station within 250m

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • The Unity Project Community Garden is open on Thursdays from 12noon to 4pm behind the church, volunteers welcome.

  • Church in Wales

  • Repair Grant, £40,000, 2017

  • Our Repair Grants funded urgent repair work to help keep churches open.

Contact information

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St Tydfil

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