About

St. John's Church Gowerton

⌛ Historical Background

Constructed between 1880 and 1882, St John's was designed by architect J. Bacon Fowler of Brecon and Swansea. Built as a chapel of ease to the parish church of Loughor, the church was established to serve the growing community of Gowerton. The land for the church was generously donated by Sir John Dillwyn Llewelyn of Penllergaer, and a grant of £150 was received from the Incorporated Society for the Enlargement, Building and Repair of Churches towards its construction.

In 1900, the chancel underwent significant enhancement, being fully lined with Italian marble. This refurbishment, including a matching altar and reredos, was a gift from Colonel J. R. Wright, proprietor of the Elba Steelworks in Gowerton. Colonel Wright had established a new steel-making plant in Italy and brought both the marble and skilled craftsmen back with him for this project.

🏛️ Architectural Features

The church is constructed in the Decorated Gothic style, using snecked rock-faced sandstone with green Bridgend stone dressings under slate roofs. Its layout comprises a nave with a bellcote, a chancel, a gabled south porch, and a north vestry. Inside, the nave features a seven-bay arch-braced roof, while the chancel boasts a 3.5-bay structure with high arch-braces. The chancel walls are adorned with grey marble accented by pink bands and a decorated colored frieze, and the floor is laid with red, white, and black marble. 

Notable interior elements include an ornate red marble reredos with blind arcading, a wood-panelled polygonal pulpit, and a painted octagonal font at the west end. The church also houses significant stained glass windows, including works by J.H. Dearle. These features collectively contribute to the church's designation as a Grade II listed building, recognised for its architectural and historical importance. 

📍 Location

St John's Church is situated on the north side of Church Street in Gowerton and set back within a churchyard. The church's location and design reflect its role in serving the spiritual needs of a growing industrial community in the late 19th century.

St. Barnabas' Church, WaurnarLwydd

⌛Historical Background

St Barnabas Church, located in Waunarlwydd, Swansea, is a notable example of Victorian ecclesiastical architecture. Constructed in 1888 in the Early English style, the church was built at a cost of £1,000. A church hall was added in the 1920s, and both structures underwent significant restoration around 2010 to preserve their structural integrity and historical character.

🏦Architectural Features

The church is constructed from coursed random rubble Carboniferous sandstone with Bathstone dressings and is topped with a Spanish slate roof. Its layout comprises a nave and chancel.

Inside, the church features a timber altar accompanied by an ornately carved pine reredos with a faux grained finish and textile hangings. The chancel houses a circular masonry pulpit with stone steps, an oak eagle lectern, and a painted stone font. Notably, the stained glass window depicting 'The Crucifixion' dates to 1961. The bellcote contains a single bell cast by John Taylor & Co in 1958.

📍Location

Situated on Victoria Road, St Barnabas Church is set on a north-facing slope above the main road through Waunarlwydd.

Sources

Coflein – National Monuments Record of Wales
Provides comprehensive historical and architectural details about the church, including its construction, design, and significance.
https://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/416842

https://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/421343

Church Heritage Cymru
Offers insights into the church's history, architecture, and notable features, emphasizing its Victorian origins and community significance.
https://churchheritagecymru.org.uk/CHR/ChurchDetails.aspx?id=4285

Church Heritage Record – St Barnabas, Waunarlwydd

Detailed information on the church's history, architecture, and restorations.

https://heritage.churchinwales.org.uk/church-heritage-record-st-barnabaswaunarlwydd-5636

British Listed Buildings
Details the church's Grade II listed status, architectural features, and historical context within the region.
https://britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/300022768-church-of-st-john-gowerton

GENUKI – Genealogy UK and Ireland
Provides genealogical and historical information, including parish records and church affiliations.
https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/wal/GLA/Loughor/StJohn

https://www.genuki.org.uk/big/wal/GLA/Swansea/Waunarlwydd 

Church in Wales – Official Website
Contains current information about the church's services, clergy, and contact details within the Llwchwr Ministry Area.
https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/structure/church/5575/

https://www.churchinwales.org.uk/en/structure/church/5636/

Gowerton Local History Society
Features historical documents and articles related to the church and the local community.
https://glhs.org.uk/