| St Illtyd's Church, Llantwit Major | |
|---|---|
| Westminster Abbey of Wales | |
Eglwys Sant Illtud | |
 | |
 | |
| Location | Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan |
| Country | Wales |
| Denomination | Church in Wales |
| History | |
| Status | Parish church |
| Founded | c. 508 |
| Dedication | Saint Illtyd |
| Architecture | |
| Functional status | Active |
| Heritage designation | Grade I |
| Style | Norman |
| Years built | 11th century |
| Administration | |
| Province | Wales |
| Diocese | Llandaff |
| Archdeaconry | Margam |
St Illtyd's Church is a church complex in Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan, southeast Wales. It is located at the site of the oldest college in the United Kingdom, once believed to have been founded as Côr Tewdws c. AD 395 by the Roman Emperor Theodosius II.[1][2] It is now generally accepted as having been founded by St. Illtud c. AD 508, from whom it derives its name.[3][4][5] The current church building was built in the 11th century by the Normans, with portions being rebuilt in the 13th and 15th centuries. The church building is one of the oldest and best-known parish churches in Wales. It is a grade I listed building, or building of exceptional interest, and has been called both the "Westminster Abbey of Wales"[6] for its unique collection of carved stones and effigies, and "the most beautiful church in Wales."[7]
The parish is currently part of the Rectorial Benefice of Llantwit Major in the Diocese of Llandaff.
- ^ Pughe, William Owen (1803). Cambrian Biography or Historical Notices of Celebrated Men Among the Ancient Britons. London: E Williams. p. 205.
- ^ Wade-Evans, Arthur W (1934). Welsh Christian Origins. Oxford: Alden Press. p. 132.
- ^ Chadwick, Nora K (1963). Celtic Britain. London: Thames & Hudson.
- ^ Snyder, Christopher A (1963). Early Peoples of Britain & Ireland: An Encyclopedia. Santa Barbara: Greenwood World Publishing.
- ^ Rees, Elizbeth (2000). Celtic Saints: Passionate Wanderers. London: Thames & Hudson. ISBN 9780500019894.
- ^ "Christmas comes early for 'Westminster Abbey of Wales' thanks to HLF funding". Heritage Lottery Fund. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
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