St Tathan's Church

St Tathan’s Church stands in the Vale of Glamorgan village of St Athan. It is a medieval church dedicated to Saint Tathan. The oldest parts of the building date from the 12th century, though little of that remains. Most of the outside walls belong to the 13th and 14th centuries. The church was restored and enlarged in the 19th century. Inside, visitors find fine monuments to the Berkerolles family. The church is worth the journey for its historic monuments and its six bells. Sir William de Berkerolles and his wife Phelice de Vere have an elaborate tomb from 1329. Their son Sir Roger de Berkerolles and his wife Katherine Turberville de Coity share another tomb from 1351. The unusual tulip-shaped font may also date from the 13th century. A visitor finds a quiet stone church with high windows and carved memorials. The pews and roof beams show the 19th-century restoration. The churchyard is small and peaceful, set among cottages and farmland. The grade I listed building stands as a reminder of the Vale’s medieval past.