St Athan Village

St Athan Church

The history of St Athan Church has become lost to view down the centuries, as is the case with many ancient churches.  Though the date of the first act of Christian worship at St Athan is not known, the church certainly takes its name and existence directly from the landing of “Tathan” about the year 540 A.D.

Entrance to the church is by the South Porch.  Pausing here and looking East, midway between the yew trees opposite the South Transcept stood a Cross, probably a Calvary as in many churchyards. It is recorded as being there in Elizabethan times.  It has been suggested that the Bassett tomb now occupies this site.

The Porch. Over the porch door is all that remains of a sundial.  In the latter part of the last century, the Gnomon was still in position with the date of 1729.  On entering the porch and looking it will be observed that on the ridge beam where it enters the outer wall the arms of the Berkrolles are carved, indicating a 13th or 14th century date. The doorsteps at the entrance of the porch outside and inside are all coffin-shaped.   These are the lids of stone coffins, mostly of 13th century date and very plain.

The Font.  On stepping down into the church, the font is the first item of note. This is a large, rather uncommon circular font, probably of late Norman date which stands on a square base 3 feet high from the floor. The base is made of Sutton stone (quarry at the mouth of the Ogmore River, near Bridgend). The cover is made of oak.  Such covers were usually fitted with hinges and and locks so that consecrated water might not be put to base uses.   Traces of these hinges can be found on the rim of the font.

Rood Loft.  Originally there would have been a Rood Loft in this church, but only the Rood Loft window remains today and can be seen high up on the East end of the South Wall of the nave. In later times a gallery was erected and there the choir men were placed and the fiddle and cello were played.

The South Transcept.  The windows in the East and South Walls are original and of the decorated period - Reticulated Tracery (14th century).  The transcept was probably the Mortuary Chapel of the Berkrolles, though clear evidence is lacking to show that this was its only use. The tomb in the South wall has survived the centuries, whereas the tomb in the West Window was placed at the restoration in 1934.  The colouring was restored by a descendent of the Berkrolles family. Details can be found in the “hands-frames” by each tomb.

The Chancel.  The arched recess in the North Wall is probably the resting place of the founder. these sepulchral recesses are sometimes known as “Founders’ Tombs”.  Often there were slabs or effigies but in this case, as in most churches, these have disappeared.

The Altar.  Restored in 1934, the original position would probably have been a further 3 or 4 feet  away from the East Window than it is now.

The North Transcept.  Entrance to the ringing chamber is by steps in the North Transcept and the memorial under these steps is worth reading. No trace can be found of an altar in the North Transcept although it is called by Iolo the “Castleton Aisle” which suggests this was the Mortuary Chapel of the Nerber family of Castleton - the parent manor of East and West Orchard.

The Tower.  The tower is normal for a cruciform church and would have been erected at the same time as the four parts chancel, nave and transcepts (North and South). However it is possible that the present tower may have been preceded by an earlier model which was used as a lookout for the approach of raiders, while the lower chamber was used as a place of refuge. Unfortunately this cannot be investigated as the original arches have been replaced by the present Gothic shape.

The Bells.  Until the early part of the 20th century there were only four bells.  These are dated 1635, 1707, 1720 and 1744. According to church records, a further two bells were added in 1919. There is a commemorative plaque situated next to the hymn-board.  Photographs depicting the arrival of the new bells and the return of the original four after recasting can be seen in the archway at the entrance to the South Transcept.

Services

Every Sunday at 10.30am
Every Wednesday at 10.00am
Sunday School at 10.30am

See Diary Page for other events

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