Llanwenarth Baptist Church
Govilon, Gwent
Home of the oldest continuing Baptist fellowship in Wales, founded in 1652; the building itself is Grade II* listed and in the style of the 1870s.
Parts of the building date back to the 13th century. It is thought that the church stands on an ancient Celtic site of worship because of the near circular churchyard. You will find a peaceful place to sit inside the church, and you can walk to the river Usk in a few minutes.
St Peter's church is a stone built church set in the river valley with views to the mountains to the north and south.
It was once the parish church for a huge parish of Aberstruith which extended miles to the south as far as Abertillery. There are colourful tales of carrying bodies for burial over the mountains and across the river for burial before separate parish churches were built.
The near circular churchyard is probably a Celtic gathering place upon which the present christian church was built. The third oldest yew tree in Gwent is to be found to the south west of the church, estimated at 1750 years.
Inside the church you will find an old stone font, an interesting archway into the tower, a piscina in the south wall by the altar, some interesting stone monuments on the walls,a lovely stained glass image of an angel in the manner of Burne Jones and a warm welcome.
