Saint Mary's Church

The Church of St Mary the Virgin is Rhossili is a simple structure, with a tower in the typical Gower style. It dates back to the 1300s.
The original church in Rhossili was at the base of the hill, in what is now known as the Warren. In the 13th century this was buried in sand by huge storms and the new church was built atop the hill.
The entrance to the church is a fine example of Norman architecture, featuring head shaped corbels, dogs tooth and chevron designs around the arch. On the left hand side is a small scratch sundial.
Inside the church a marble tablet commemorates the life and achievements of Edgar Evans, Petty Officer 1st Class on Scott's expeditions to the Antarctic. Evans was born in the Ship Inn (now Ship Cottage) and died on 17th February 1912 on the ill fated return journey from the South Pole. There is also an artistic stained glass window in Evans' memory, as well as several other windows mostly dating from the 1950s.

Beautiful little church in a stunning location, definitely worth a look around, you can go inside even when there's not a service on, it's very quaint and well preserved. has limited free parking outside, but they have an honesty box where we contributed to the upkeep of the church.

This pretty little ancient church is well worth a visit. Inside is lovely and has a display for Edgar Evans who perished returning from the South Pole with Captain Scott.

A solid stone built church made to withstand the coastal elements, good stain glass window and a stone baptismal font.

Very nice Church by Rhosili Bay Beach. Historical building with nice people. Dropped some info about the long history of that beautiful place 👇

"The first church at Rhossili was dedicated to St Sulien and built at the base of Rhossili Down sometime in the 6th century. St Cynwal later established a monastery nearby.

The Celtic church was rebuilt by the Normans around 1150, but a destructive storm buried the area beneath a huge blanket of sand. Bits of ruined walls can be seen beside the path to the beach. A new church was built in the last few years of the 12th century, in a clifftop location that would protect it from the effects of storm and sand.

The Norman lord William de Turberville granted the church to the Knights Hospitaller of St John. When the Order was dissolved by Henry VIII at the Reformation the right to appoint rectors passed to the crown. The most interesting feature to survive from the early church is the Norman doorway, decorated with dogtooth moulding and chevrons; a pattern not usually seen in Wales. Carved onto the left-hand pillar is a scratch dial"

Quaint little church in need of some TLC.

Good to see a church that's open so much.

From the small churchyard outside you can see the odd tower and local stones exterior. There's also very informative plaque just past the entrance.

The inside is quite traditional though in need of some touching up in places. The use of wood warms the feel a little especially the roof timbers.

Definitely worth at least a few minutes to have a look around.

interesting little church