Llanblethian Church

Three staged tower with diagonal buttresses

On the southern outskirts of Cowbridge this church commands a fine position over the village of Llanblethian across the valley from Quentin's Castle. The tower dates from 1477 and is well proportioned and striking.

The church guide says 'The pulpit which was installed in 1896 as part of the church restoration is of an unusual design (and not to everybody's liking). It is made from Penarth alabaster, red Forest Of Dean stone and Quarella stone from Bridgend. The columns are of red Irish marble.'

Fowler designed pulpit

In contrast to this is a plain medieval tub shaped font, '..solidly carved in Sutton stone.'

Medieval tub font

As well as these there are anumber of other fine stone carvings including figures adorning the corbels of the tower entrance from the nave and a lovely cherub head on a monument in the porch.

Corbel sculpture

Corbel sculpture

Angel head in porch

 Also in the churchyard to the north a monument with 'Gill-like. Stylized trees...' Newman,J(1995)p372

Oak leaf pattern on head stone 1943