Eglwys y Grog (Holy Cross Church) Explored
Eglwys y Grog (Holy Cross Church), Mwnt, Ceredigion
Mwnt is a beautiful secluded cove on the Ceredigion coast, just north of Cardigan. Above a sandy beach that has been rated amongst the finest in Europe is a picturesque whitewashed church dedicated to the Holy Cross.
Though the present church building dates to the 14th century, there has been a church in this spot since the Age of the Saints (roughly 410-700 AD). The dedication to Holy Cross is probably a reference to a tradition that a tall stone cross once stood atop Foel y Mwnt, the conical hill that rises directly behind the church. The cross would have been used as a focal point for preaching the Christian message.
The cross would also have been visible for many miles, attracting pilgrims who drew their boats up on the sandy beach at the base of the cliffs.
Mwnt gained such a reputation amongst early Christians that it became a stopping place for the bodies of saints being transported to Bardsey Island for burial. Mwnt's location also made it a convenient resting place for pilgrims en route to St David's, further down the coast.
We do not know exactly when the present building was erected; it may have been as early as the 13th century. That's the date of the stone font, made of Preselau stone, that stands at the west end of the nave.
On the north wall is a small lancet window, now blocked, that may have allowed lepers - who were not allowed inside churches - to view the high altar during services.
Eglwys y Grog (Holy Cross Church) Explored
Eglwys y Grog (Holy Cross Church), Mwnt, Ceredigion
Mwnt is a beautiful secluded cove on the Ceredigion coast, just north of Cardigan. Above a sandy beach that has been rated amongst the finest in Europe is a picturesque whitewashed church dedicated to the Holy Cross.
Though the present church building dates to the 14th century, there has been a church in this spot since the Age of the Saints (roughly 410-700 AD). The dedication to Holy Cross is probably a reference to a tradition that a tall stone cross once stood atop Foel y Mwnt, the conical hill that rises directly behind the church. The cross would have been used as a focal point for preaching the Christian message.
The cross would also have been visible for many miles, attracting pilgrims who drew their boats up on the sandy beach at the base of the cliffs.
Mwnt gained such a reputation amongst early Christians that it became a stopping place for the bodies of saints being transported to Bardsey Island for burial. Mwnt's location also made it a convenient resting place for pilgrims en route to St David's, further down the coast.
We do not know exactly when the present building was erected; it may have been as early as the 13th century. That's the date of the stone font, made of Preselau stone, that stands at the west end of the nave.
On the north wall is a small lancet window, now blocked, that may have allowed lepers - who were not allowed inside churches - to view the high altar during services.