Llandough: inside St Dochdwy’s

I’ve blogged before about St Dochdwy’s Church in Llandough, the exterior of the church (Llandough: St Dochdwy’s Church, 3 April 2020) and, a few days later, the magnificent Irbic cross in the church yard (Llandough: the Irbic cross). At that stage, I hadn’t been inside the church but, recently, completely by chance, I had the opportunity to have a brief look inside and to grab some quick photos.

Completed in 1866, by Penarth builder David Jones to a design by Bristol architect Samuel Charles Fripp, the current church incorporates elements of the previous church on this site, in particular ‘the original Norman Chancel arch, which now links the south aisle to the bell tower’ (as per the St Dochdwy’s website).   

 An article from the Cardiff Times, 13 July 1866, reports on the opening of this new church:

RE-OPENING OF LLANDOUGH NEW CHURCH.

The consecration of the church at Llandough, near this town, which has recently been rebuilt and enlarged, took place yesterday (Thursday). A large and highly respectable congregation was present, and it was with difficulty that sufficient accommodation could be provided for the worshippers. The new church was built in consequence of the old one being too small for the requirements of the increasing population, and the rebuilding was principally brought about through the exertions of the rector, the Rev. H. H. K. Rickards, and Mr. R. E. Spencer. The new edifice has been erected on the east side of the old church. The design belongs to the decorative period of Gothic architecture. Both externally and internally it has a good effect. The chancel arch of the old church has been restored and used in the new building. The church is built of Leckwith stone, lined with bricks, and freestone is used for the windows, doorways, and pillars. There is a conspicuous tower, and the church being on elevated ground, it is visible from a great distance. The principal entrance is to the west, and immediately opposite the altar, over which is a large stained memorial window, to the late Rev. James Evans and his son the Rev. Charles Evans. Two fine freestone pillars on either side support the aisle arches and open stained wood roof. The side windows are also ornamented with stained glass. The pews are of stained wood and without doors. In the course of time, should further accommodation be required, this can be provided by taking down the west wall. The cost of the re-building is £2,600, all of which has been subscribed with the exception of £500. Mr. Fripp, of Bristol, was the architect, and Mr. David Jones, of Penarth, the builder ...

When I entered the church, my eye was immediately drawn to the design of its brickwork, a stunning example of ‘the decorative period of Gothic architecture’ referred to in the newspaper report. This polychromatic brickwork is very similar to that inside Penarth’s St Augustine’s Church, designed by renowned architect William Butterfield, though it is not believed to be Butterfield’s work.   

The church also features some beautiful stained glass windows, including a 5-light traceried window in the west front wall, though I didn’t have time to examine the many windows closely. And I’m sure there are other features that will repay a second visit, when the current pandemic restrictions allow that to happen.