Church of St Bridget

Heritage listing

Reason for designation: Listed grade II* as a church retaining significant medieval fabric, the effigies and memorials being of exceptional interest. Group value with Churchyard cross. History: The church was established in 1141 and given to Ewenny Priory by the Lord of Ogmore. Remaining Norman features are the chancel arch and possibly parts of the chancel and nave walls. The N doorway is in Norman style with a plain tympanum but is probably a reconstruction. The chancel S windows, and N window inside vestry, are C14. Perpendicular tower. Tudor window in N side of chancel, possibly a C17 insertion. The chancel roof may also be C17. The church was heavily restored by Egbert Moxham of Neath in 1854 at a cost of 1,000. This included replacement windows, the addition of the vestry and porch, a new nave roof, and new furnishings. The rood screen was removed at this time. The church contains an exceptional group of memorials and effigies, many associated with Dunraven. An incised sepulchral slab to Sir John le Botiler (c1285) of Dunraven was relocated underneath the altar in 1854 and is not visible. It depicts a knight with crossed leg and rolled spurs resting on a wyvern. The associated stone coffin is on the S side of the chancel. Exterior: The exterior of the church is mainly in Decorated-style with Perpendicular tower. W tower, nave, chancel, N porch, N vestry. Constructed of limestone with dressings of Sutton stone and grey sandstone, under a slate roof. Three-stage Perpendicular tower of coursed masonry. Stepped angle buttresses, plinth with string course. Further string course below upper stage. Corbelled battlements, finials rising from angles with gargoyles below. Pointed arched W doorway containing a planked door with strap hinges. Set in a square-headed sandstone

From Cadw under OGL v3.