Type Church OS grid reference SO 2179 0196 Reference no. 1866 | Built c. 1500 Phone +44 1495 320367 Designated as world heritage site 6 June 1962 | |
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Address St Illtyd, Aberbeeg NP13 2AY, UK Similar St Illtyd's Church - Llantwit, Ty Ebbw Fach Cafe, Bedwellty House, Parc Bryn Bach, Big Pit National Coal Mus | ||
St Illtyd's Church is a church in Llanhilleth, Blaenau Gwent, Wales. A Grade II* listed building, it is the oldest standing building in the county borough.
Although the church is now deconsecrated and in private ownership the use of the site for worship goes make many years. There are references to the church in a 9th/10th century poem and was probably rebuilt by the Cistercians in the late 12th century. Much of what remains (particularly the saddleback west tower and the barrel roofs) suggests more rebuilding around 1500. Further refurbishment was completed in 1888–91.
The church closed in the 1930s because of subsidence from nearby coalmining and was repaired and reopened in 1943, before closing again because of open cast mining in 1957. By 1962 the church had deteriorated further and closed permanently.
The church was eventually acquired by Blaenau Gwent Borough Council.