GwentBISHTONStCadwaladr(philiphallingCC-BY-SA2.0)1 PhilipHalling

St Cadwaladr

Situated on the edge of an ancient village on the Caldicot Levels and dedicated to the self styled last King of Britain.

Bishton, Gwent

Opening times

Covid19 : Our church is currently closed outside service times due to Welsh Government Covid-19 regulations.

Open 10am to 4pm during British Summer Time.
Open 11am to 3pm at other times.

Opening is based on a volunteer Rota. If you are travelling to visit the church please contact us in advance to confirm we are open.

Address

Bishton Lane
Bishton
Gwent
NP18 2EA

Cadwaladr was the last Welsh ruler to call himself ‘King of Britain’ and he earned the title ‘blessed’ for his peaceful disposition. He died of the plague in 664AD.

The church and lands were given to the Bishop of Llandaff soon after 570, the original wooden church on this site was rebuilt in stone after the Norman occupation. ‘Bishton’ is a corruption of ‘Bishopstown’ and was the location of one of the residences of the Bishops of Llandaff for many centuries.

Some of the lancet windows are original, but the east window, the west tower window and the two south windows to the nave are Victorian insertions. Looking up you can see the four carved stone medieval heads known as the priest, the monk, the nun and the happy man. To your right is the late mediaeval octagonal font which is still used for christenings. Behind the altar the stained glass windows date from c1915 and depict Christ as the Light of the World and the Good Shepherd. Located near the north door is a stoup for holy water. In 1535 the church was valued at £2 13 shillings & 4 pence, approximately £ 2.65p.

Much of the original decorated and perpendicular church was restored in 1760 following the partial collapse of the tower. The porch is a 19th century addition and the Rectory opposite the church was built about the same time. The 15th century tower with it's single bell dating to 1663, was probably installed as a thanksgiving for the Restoration of the Monarchy. Services were in the Welsh language until 1828.

In 1949 whilst digging a new grave a corner of a mysterious stone coffin was damaged and a body with long white hair was glimpsed by the gravedigger. Although the body was turned to dust by the sudden influx of air the skeleton was identified as male. It is speculated that the body was that of Ifor Hael. He fled Cardiff for Bishton to avoid the plague with his friend Bishop Pascal of Llandaff, but they bought the pestilence with them and died in 1361.

  • Wildlife haven

  • Social heritage stories

  • National heritage here

  • Famous connections

  • Enchanting atmosphere

  • Captivating architecture

  • Walkers & cyclists welcome

  • Steps to enter the church or churchyard

  • Space to secure your bike

  • Ramp or level access available on request

  • On street parking at church

  • Dog friendly

  • Eucharist services held on the 1st and 3rd Sunday of the month, all are welcome to attend.

  • A permanent exhibition featuring the history St Cadwaladr and his church. Panels also depict the social and economic history of the village and it's people. Funded by the Living Levels Project.

  • Church in Wales

  • Gateway Grant, £1,175, 2020

  • Our Gateway Grants fund churches developing building projects and also urgent maintenance and repair projects to help keep churches open.

Contact information

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