Walking in the Vale of Glamorgan countryside in the Llangan area you come across this rather unexpected chimney in the middle of a field. It dates from circa 1855. This is the only surviving structure from the Llangan lead mine which was active from 1855-1879. The site was previously worked in the C18.
The exterior of the chimney was built with a stone base and main shaft and a red brick upper shaft. It is in three parts like a telescope; the square base is battered going to a stone shaft, then a brick cornice and a smaller brick shaft with a second cornice band. The chimney is about 20m in height. It was the engine-house chimney for the Llangan lead mine.
Tags: Lead Mine Chimney Llangan Vale of Glamorgan South Wales
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St Brynach's Church, Llanfrynach near Cowbridge. A 12th century church that, other than restoration of the tower, remains largely as it was when it served the village of Penllyn. This was grade II listed in the 1960s.
Saint Brynach was a 6th century Welsh saint. There are many churches dedicated to this saint in South/West Wales.
Tags: St Brynach Vale of Glamorgan South Wales Llanblethian Welsh Saints Llanfrynach Cowbridge Penllyn Black and White Churches Black & White Photos
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The three distinct structures of the Norman church can be seen aligned - the Bell Tower, the Nave and the Chancel. Traditionally, the Chancel was always the eastern part of the church which ran east to west. Did not check if this was the case here.
This is St Brynach's church near Cowbridge. Dedicated to the Welsh saint.
Tags: St Brynach Norman Architecture Chancel Nave Tower Cowbridge Black and White Churches Black & White Photos
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They were very obliging. Well after all, Lazy Celt was around.
Tags: Sheep Penllyn Vale of Glamorgan
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In the churchyard just left of the church stands a sculptured wheel-head cross, 1.3 metres in height - the carving dating from the 9th century, though the actual stone could be earlier.
The cross-head dedicated to St Canna, has on it's front-side (see photo), a crucifixtion scene with Christ on the cross and a person at either side. The right hand figure could be holding up a swab on a long pole (St John) or it could be St Longinus the centurion piercing the side of Christ with his lance, whilst on the left side a figure with a strange-shaped head appears to be crouching down. This figure could be the devil. The figure below Christ seems to be stretching out his arms in thanksgiving and holding a small cross in his hand. The reverse side of the cross bears a plain Greek cross.
The churchyard is circular indicating that the site is a pre-Christian one. St Canna was a Breton princess, daughter of Tudur Mawr, who came to Wales in the 6th century with her husband, St Sadwrn, and her son, St Crallo. They became active Christian missionaries, each founding their own church. Near the church is Ffynnon Ganna - St Canna's Holy Well. There is another Llangan, in Dyfed, and it too is dedicated to this saint.
Tags: Celtic cross LLangan Church Vale of Glamorgan crucification CADW St. Canna Breton Tudur Mawr Ffynnon Ganna
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