The present church, described by the late Sir John Betjeman in the book entitled “Parish churches in England and Wales” as being “large and dignified” stands near the site of the former church, Capel Martin – the foundations of which can still be seen (just) in the churchyard to the west of the present church.
The church itself was erected in 1878-79 during the Incumbency of the Rev. Thomas Jenkins and was consecrated on the 17th of December, 1879, by Bishop Ollivant, of Llandaff. The original building is in the early English style of architecture from designs by Mr. Buckeridge, architect. It was built however under the supervision of Sir John L. Pearson, the well know Ecclesiastical Architect, as the designer had passed away before the structure was undertaken. The cost was £5,500
Features within the church:
The clock made by Niehus Bros. of Bristol was added in 1911, following public subscription. It was electrified in 1980, and in 2000 was rebuilt and upgraded by J.B. Joyce and Co., who also restored the Westminster chimes. The magnificent peal of eight bells was cast by John Taylor of Loughborough in 1910, and is set in the key of F. They were a gift from Miss Catherine Anthony, formerly from The Grove, Caerphilly, who was a great benefactress of the church, and who also gave the brass Eagle lectern. The bells are named after members of her family, and are considered by ringers and being one of the best rings of eight bells in South Wales.
The glorious East window above the High Altar was a gift from Lord Windsor, in memory of his grandmother, Baroness Windsor, as was the High altar, which was made by employees of the Windsor Estate.
The font was originally sited in the traditional place near the main door, signifying baptism as the entrance into Christ’s family. It is possibly the oldest feature of the church, and is believed to be medieval, being previously used in Capel Martin for many years. After some years of mysterious absence, it was found at a local farmhouse and placed in the present church. It was moved in 2018 to its present position in line with the main entrance, and underneath what is called “The Lady Window” depicting the infant Christ – very appropriate for baptism
The organ of fine quality is a Father Willis, which was installed in 1891 at a cost of £515. In 1953, it was extended with additional pipework in memory of the war dead. In 1968 the organ was rebuilt and enlarged by Percy Daniel of Clevedon, to a specification drawn up by Ralph Downes, and the pipe complex was moved to the South Aisle and housed in a modern case, designed by George Pace, with a detached stop key console in the sacristy. It was dedicated by the Archbishop of Wales on 23rd April 1969. Following a fire in 1977, the console was moved into the nave under the pipe complex and in 1982 a “Trumpet” stop was installed
Now about finding the cache...
N51.ab.cde W003.fg.hij ;
At V2 the on the Church information board you will need to use Parish warden Deryn McAndrews telephone No to answer the following;
a = 11th digit - 9th digit;
b = (6th digit - 11th digit) x 8th digit;
c = 9th digit - 10th digit;
f = 3rd digit - 7th digit;
At V3 the Church Tower you will need to answer the following;
d = sum of the Roman numerals;
g = how many clock faces on the tower;
h = subtract the years from each other - subtract the months from each other;
At V4 the Slate Merchants grave stone you will need to answer the following;
e = (sum of the year slate merchant wife was born - sum of the year he was born) - 3;
i= (slate merchant age - his wifes age) x 2;
j = year slate merchant wife died - year slate merchant died;
Please use stealth and return exactly as found also ensure the tool in the log bag is not lost as it is required to keep the log in place.
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For full information on how you can expand the Church Micro series by sadexploration please read the Place your own Church Micro page before you contact him at churchmicro.co.uk
See also the Church Micro Statistics and Home pages for further information about the series.
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