St Catharine's Church

St Catharine’s Church stands in Baglan, a village near Port Talbot in South Wales. Built between 1875 and 1882, it replaced an older pre-Norman church destroyed by fire in 1954. Griffith Llewellyn, owner of Baglan Hall, paid for its construction and is commemorated with his wife Madelina inside. The church was designed in the Decorated Gothic style using Forest of Dean sandstone under architect John Prichard. Local architect John Jones supervised the building work, and the interior features Quarella stone, alabaster and Italian mosaic tiles. The church holds notable stained glass windows by William Morris and Edward Burne-Jones. A window by Morris depicts Saint Cecilia with musical angels, while Burne-Jones created a crucifixion scene with the Virgin Mary and Saint John. Brass memorial plaques honour Griffith and Madelina Llewellyn, buried in the churchyard near the ruins of the original church. The chancel’s marble floor and bands add to the rich polychromatic effect throughout. Visitors find a Grade I listed building with striking Gothic architecture and fine craftsmanship. The churchyard contains the remains of the ancient Saint Baglan’s Church alongside modern graves. Scenes from the 1997 film *Twin Town* were filmed here, adding a cinematic link to the site. The stained glass and marble work create a quiet atmosphere of historical reverence. Baglan’s setting offers a peaceful visit close to the Welsh coast.