Llangollen Enterprise
Anturieth Llangollen
Parade Street
Llangollen
Denbighshire
North Wales
LL20 8PW
United Kingdom
Llangollen Enterprise Office
telephone: +44 (0)1978 861345
fax: +44 (0)1978 861345
e-mail: le@llangollen.org.uk
Tourist Information Office
telephone: +44 (0)1978 860828
fax: +44 (0)1978 861563
e-mail: llangollen@nwtic.com
St Collen lived in or around the 6th century and is probably the most written about saint in early Welsh traditions.
Llangollen church is where the town has derived its name - Llan (enclosure/church) gollen (Collen) and probably consisted of a small wooden structure enclosed by a circular wall.
St Collen himself is believed to have been buried here, with references to his tomb still being visible being recorded as late a 1749.
The now stone walls are believed to be of Norman construction with later aditions, with the interior being famous for both its fantastic wooden roof and stain glass windows, of which an image of St Collen is included.
The roof was constructed by expert craftsmen of Valle Crucis Abbey, who owned the church, in 1450, with the ornate oak carvings on view added from the roof of the Abbey itself following the disillusionment in 1536.
There are many other carvings to be found within the building from the Abbey and probably one or two awaiting discovery!
The Oak Chest dated 1748 is of interest with its three keyholes. It dates back to the days when the Parish comprised of three districts.
Each district selected its own Warden and all three had to be present to open the churchwardens chest. Note also the seat for freeholders in the days when Pew rents were paid.
The church yard is also the last resting place of the Ladies of Llangollen, with their impressive headstone a real feature.
