Church of St Crallo lies in the heart of Coychurch and is a Grade I listed building. Together with medieval architectural features, crosses and tombs, it forms the village’s cultural and historical focal point. The different dates span several centuries, making not only the church but also individual details and cemetery monuments subjects for exploration.
Church history and architectural details
St Crallog's Church dates from the 13th century and is mentioned in 1254. In the north transept is an effigy of a praying monk from the 14th century. A transept runs across the nave; the term helps locate the effigy within the church. The north aisle also contains a cross shaft with interlaced decoration and a Maltese cross head. It dates from the 10th or 11th century. The dates therefore range from the early cross shaft to the 13th-century church and the 14th-century effigy. This provides several points of reference for the building’s history, rather than reducing it to a single period.
Crosses and tombs in the churchyard
Coychurch churchyard also has its own protected heritage features. The Churchyard Cross is protected as a Grade II* monument. A freestanding cross stands there about 4.5 metres from the church’s south door. The tombstone of Thomas Richards in Coychurch is Grade II listed. Another cross shaft has key and interlace patterns on its lower part. This part is also thought to bear a Latin inscription identifying Ebissar as the founder of the church. The monuments therefore differ in both form and their historical and heritage-designation classifications.
Walking the Bridgend Circular Walk
The Bridgend Circular Walk is signposted along public footpaths with yellow direction arrows. A 10-kilometre section is listed as taking about three hours to walk. The markers help guide you along the route; the approximate walking time helps you plan the section as a block of time. The distance and walking time apply to this section, not the entire circular route. As path conditions can change, check them before setting out. This lets you fit the walk into your day’s plans without treating the approximate time as an exact arrival time.
Golf on Bryn Road
Coed-y-Mwstwr Golf Club is on Bryn Road in Coychurch. Visitors with an eligible club handicap may play the course at any time; at weekends, they must be accompanied by a member. The clubhouse is open daily for drinks and snacks. This outing therefore focuses on both the playing conditions and the food and drink available. Visitor and catering arrangements can change, so check the latest information on playing opportunities and the clubhouse before your visit.
Whether you want to focus on medieval architectural and funerary monuments, a longer walk or golf, these verified details offer a range of themes to help you plan your trip.
Discover more destinations: Porthcawl, Pyle, Sarn, Llangynwyd, Pencoed, Tondu, Bridgend
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