St. Mary's Church, Swansea

St. Mary鈥檚 Collegiate and Parish Church, an Anglican place of worship, boasts a rich history that stretches back to circa 1328, when the original church was erected by Henry de Gower, Bishop of St David's. Over the centuries, the church has endured several significant changes and challenges. In 1739, the roof of the nave collapsed one Sunday morning, but fortunately, it occurred before the congregation arrived, preventing any injuries. The church was rebuilt shortly thereafter, though the original tower was preserved.

By 1822, St. Mary鈥檚 Church had been illuminated by gas, marking a modern advancement for the time. The church underwent substantial renovations between 1879 and 1882 under the guidance of Vicar Dr. Morgan. However, it was in 1896 that a major transformation occurred when the church was demolished and rebuilt according to the designs of Arthur Blomfield, commissioned by Dean Allan Smith. Despite this extensive redevelopment, some elements of the old church were retained.

The church's resilience was tested again during World War II. In February 1941, St. Mary鈥檚 suffered severe damage during the Blitz. Reconstruction did not commence until the 1950s, demonstrating the church's enduring significance to the community despite the wartime devastation.

Adding to its historical narrative, St. Mary鈥檚 has a unique local anecdote: from the 1890s, a figure known as the Swansea Devil stood on a set of buildings facing the west side of the church. This was a result of a disgruntled rival of Blomfield's, who was upset that his designs were not chosen. The Swansea Devil is a curious footnote in the church鈥檚 storied past, reflecting the sometimes contentious nature of architectural and civic development.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: St. Mary's Church
Sight Location: Swansea, Wales (See walking tours in Swansea)
Sight Type: Religious
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Swansea Introduction Walking Tour

Walking Tours in Swansea, Wales

Create Your Own Walk in Swansea

Creating your own self-guided walk in Swansea is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Swansea Introduction Walking Tour

Swansea, the city on the southwest coast of Wales, is the country's second-largest. Its original name in Welsh 鈥� Abertawe 鈥� means 'mouth of the Tawe' and hints at its geographic location and historical ties to the River Tawe.

The area's history dates back to ancient times when it was contested by early Welsh kingdoms. During the Viking Age, it became a significant trade... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.7 Km or 1.7 Miles

Dylan Thomas Trail

The Dylan Thomas Trail in Swansea is a captivating journey that celebrates the life and works of one of Wales' most famous literary figures. This trail guides visitors through a series of landmarks intimately connected to the poet and writer native of Swansea, providing a deep dive into the environments that influenced his work.

Starting at the Captain Cat Statue, this whimsical sculpture... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.1 Km or 2.5 Miles

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