Pretty without being chocolate-boxy, Penmark is a small village just outside Barry with a good…read morelocal pub and an interesting mediaeval church. Its peace is only disturbed by the aircraft taking off from nearby Cardiff-Wales airport, but it's a million miles away in character. History The village was the site of a 12th century Norman castle, overlooking a natural ravine carved by the Waycock River. Originally built in wood by Gilbert de Umfraville, it was rebuilt in stone in the 13th century. A good review of the castle (now in ruins) can be found at http://www.castlewales.com . The church was probably built around the same time, and its generous proportions may reflect the patronage of the local lord. The oldest part is the chancel arch, dating from around 1200. The tower arch dates from 1400 and most of the Perpendicular Gothic windows date from the 15th century. Charles Wesley preached here on 26th July 1777, after breakfasting in nearby Fonmon Castle. In 1811 the church is recorded as still being dedicated to St Mark, and repairs were undertaken and new seating was installed in 1893-5. In the churchyard is a preaching cross, restored in 1888, on the original mediaeval base. The church The church has a south porch, nave, chancel and tower. The most notable interior feature is the peculiar chancel arch, a simple and crude pointed arch with similarly crude zig-zag carving, dated to around 1200. More impressive is a tall and beautifully proportioned Perpendicular tower arch dating from around 1400. The nave has a well preserved staircase for a long-vanished Rood Screen. Most of the windows are perpendicular in style, dating from the later 15th century, some restored. The church has some interesting fittings and furnishings: pride of place goes to the Jacobean pulpit, from which Charles Wesley preached in 1777. The nave side altar opposite dates from 1709, and above are memorials to Jones family of Fonmon Castle. In the chancel are late 17th century alabaster memorials to the Lewis Family of Penmark Place, with coats of arms and skulls. The nave has a plain turned Norman tub font, presumably dating from the founding of the church. The church is an integral part of village life details of special services can be found in the newsletter at http://www.penmark.org . Regular services are part of the joint benefice of Benefice of Penmark with Llancarfan with Llantrithyd telephone for service times and location.

This church was originally erected as a chapel of ease around the late 12th century. It was later…read moreenlarged and the West Tower was added in the 16th century at a cost of two thousand pounds. There have been many restorations over the years, especially during the 19th century. St Mary's became a parish church in 1923.More recent work has included the east window by the local artist, John Petts (1989), and a statue of Our Lady of Walsingham by Michael Tandy (1997). This is, without doubt, one of the most prominent buildings in the town, especially the 90 ft tower which dominates the landscape. I have walked past St Mary's many times without knowing anything about it, and taken photos of it too. It's very interesting to finally do a bit of research to find out more about this old church!

Lost and gasping for a caffeine hit on a sunny Sunday in Brecon? Just look to the heavens for the…read moreturreted steeple of St Mary's Church. Tower Cafe offers a fine coffee and cake, all served with a welcoming and genteel joviality and friendliness - right in the middle of the town. Americano with hot milk served perfectly. Sit outside under the shade of the mighty steeple and mix it with international visitors - offer to take a family snap with their cameras (remembering not to chop any feet or heads off treasured holiday snaps, however tempting). According to the sales assistant in WH Smiths, there are no good coffee places open in Brecon on a Sunday (this might not be totally accurate but definitely no Costa or Nero - a gap in the market?) - but the setting and ambiance of St Mary's Church Tower Cafe is a far superior alternative - and for a good cause too - very satisfying all round. Recommended. Hope this is useful.

Pentremalwed church is fantastic for all the family , as soon as you step inside the church you…read moreknow you will get a great welcome. They have services at 10:30am and 3:30pm on a Sunday , the afternoon service is called Ozone and it is for all the family , the younger children go into classes midway through the meeting where they have a great time. On a Thursday morning from 10am - 12 noon is a coffee morning /mums and tots group , the kids have a great time as there is a huge range of toys plus they get to make friends while the mums and dads have a cofee/tea and toast! If you think church is boring , give this church a go!

This church, with its attractive spire, is really a landmark which can be seen from miles around…read more It stands overlooking a small park, Victoria Gardens, in the town centre. Built in a Gothic style in the 19th century, it's surprisingly large inside. The stained glass windows are beautiful and some of the smaller ones are dedicated to previous worshippers here. There is easy access to the church, including ramps, and there is a small gift shop attached.

This is a wonderful little chapel run by volunteers from the…read moreRotary Club Its a short, steep climb to the top with stunning views over all the little harbours round Ilfracombe. It was a chapel,a lighthouse & a home. From the Middle Ages it maintained a light to guide shipping into the harbour. It's still a working lighthouse today and is said to be the oldest in the country. When Henry V111 dissolved the monasteries in 1540 St Nicholas ceased to be a chapel. In the Census of 1851,the lighthouse keeper & wife were registered as living in the Lantern Hill Lighthouse together with eleven of their children.He is described as a mariner. There is a cheap car park at the foot of Lantern hill.

Bacastreams has been wonderfully brought together by Marie through her close and wonderful…read morerelationship with God and the ministry that He has called her into encouraging others. This website is a minstry that has certainly blessed me, through testimonies, verses from Scripture and poems that have been written by Marie and her experiences in her Christian walk. This website is an encouragement for those on the Christian path and for those who are yet to find Christ.