Local Assembly Member Paul Davies recently visited the historic St Jerome’s Church in Llangwm to hear of exciting plans to renovate and conserve the church as well as providing comfortable facilities that could benefit the whole community and visitors alike.

Research carried out strongly suggests that the Church was originally built in around 1100. There is also strong evidence that a church stood on the site before the present one was built. Reminders of the early heritage remain, and these include two stones standing out from the wall above the pulpit that are understood to be all that remains of the medieval staircase that led to a minstrel’s gallery. In addition several other features remain.

Extensive research has been carried out by members of the community into the history of the 12th century Flemish settlement. It is planned to use this research to create a tapestry, and use 21st century technology so visitors can use their smart phones and tablets to learn of the village’s rich history whilst looking at the tapestry. It is planned to call this ‘The Talking Tapestry of Llangwm’.

Commenting on his visit, local AM Paul Davies said “I was delighted to visit St Jerome’s Church in Llangwm and meet with church officials to discuss their very exciting plans. Having passed by the church on many occasions, it was very interesting to hear the church’s history which dates back approximately one thousand years. To see heritage that goes back many hundreds of years is truly thought provoking and inspiring.”

Mr Davies added “I believe that ‘The Talking Tapestry of Llangwm’ will be an excellent feature which will utilise modern technology to tell a story of many hundreds of years ago. It gives me great pleasure to support St Jerome’s in their continuing bid to attract funding, and I look forward to visiting the church again once the work is complete.”