St Michael

The construction of St Michael’s is part medieval and part Victorian. It is a grade II listed building. There is evidence of a place of worship dedicated to St Michael in Cwmafan as early as the 12th century. The original construction was in the 16th century with a west tower added in the 17th century. The tower is all that remains of the pre 19th century building as the nave, south aisle, and chancel were built in the 1850s by notable architect John Pritchard. A brick spire was added to the tower soon after.

St Michaels is Grade II listed, primarily for the unusual tower dating 1660 and also because it is an early work of the notable architect John Pritchard who made the Victorian additions. Pritchard went on to restore or design many churches in Wales, including St Catherine’s Baglan. The two churches are however dissimilar in style. St Catherine's is opulent and lushly decorated whilst St Michaels retains its medieval simplicity.

Cadw describes St Michael's as being a good example of Pritchard’s work. The altar, a reused Elizabethan tomb chest, is of particular interest. It is the tomb of George Williams of Blaen Baglan (d1600) and makes a spectacular altar. 

The church is surrounded by a large and very full graveyard which is well tended and kept by the PCC and the community.More recently, steady and ongoing work has been done regularly to keep the structure sound, including structural work, a modern heating system, and a complete restoration of the interior decoration which had been marred by inappropriate painting over of stonework features. In 2014, the Spire and Tower of St Michaels were subject to extensive restoration work to solve a long-standing problem of water coming in. This significant project was made possible by grant funding from the Lottery Heritage Fund, National Churches Trust, and All Churches Trust (now Benefact Trust).