Phone +44 1437 764551 | ||
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Location St. Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire, Wales Address Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Pembrokeshire Coast Path, Bosherston, Pembroke SA71 5DP, UK Similar Barafundle Bay, Green Bridge of Wales, Carew Castle, Huntsman's Leap, Freshwater West | ||
13th century st govan s chapel pembrokeshire 11 07 2014
St. Govan's Chapel is a chapel located at St. Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire in south west Wales.
Built into the side of a limestone cliff, the building measures 20 by 12 feet (6.1 m × 3.7 m) with walls constructed from limestone, and consists of two chambers, one in the front and one in the back. The majority of the chapel was built in the thirteenth century, although parts of it may date back further to the sixth century when Saint Govan, a monk moved into a cave located on the site of the chapel. One legend suggests that Saint Govan is buried underneath the chapel's altar, located at the east end of the building. The entrance to the building is via. a doorway on the north side, low stone benches run along the north and south walls and an empty bell-cote is located at the west end. The slate roof is suspected to be a modern addition compared to the rest of the building.
The building is accessible from the clifftop by climbing down a set of 52 stairs, although tourist organisations propagate the legend that when counted, the number of steps differs between going down and going back up.
The building was listed with Grade I status on August 2, 1996. The chapel is within the Castlemartin Military Training Area and is sometimes inaccessible.