St Govan's Chapel

St. Govan's Chapel is a chapel located at St. Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire in south west Wales.

St. Govan's Chapel
Location within Pembrokeshire
General information
LocationSt. Govan's Head, Pembrokeshire, Wales
Coordinates51°35′55″N 4°56′12″W

Built into the side of a limestone cliff, the building measures 20 by 12 feet (6.1 m × 3.7 m) with walls constructed from limestone, and consists of two chambers, one in the front and one in the back.[1] The majority of the chapel was built in the thirteenth century, although parts of it may date back further to the sixth century when Saint Govan, a monk moved into a cave located on the site of the chapel. One legend suggests that Saint Govan is buried underneath the chapel's altar, located at the east end of the building.[2] The entrance to the building is via. a doorway on the north side, low stone benches run along the north and south walls and an empty bell-cote is located at the west end.[3] The slate roof is suspected to be a modern addition compared to the rest of the building.[3]

The building is accessible from the clifftop by climbing down a set of 52 stairs,[4] although tourist organisations propagate the legend that when counted, the number of steps differs between going down and going back up.[5]

Engraving of St Govan's Chapel (1810)

The building was listed with Grade I status on August 2, 1996. The chapel is within the Castlemartin Military Training Area and is sometimes inaccessible.

References
  1. The Beauties of England and Wales, or, Delineations, topographical, historical, and descriptive, of each county, Volume 18. 1815. p. 805.
  2. "St Govan's Chapel". Archived from the original on 2013-09-28.
  3. "St Govan's Chapel". Coflein. Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales.
  4. An Inventory of the Ancient Monuments of Wales and Monmouthshire: VII – Country of Pembroke. His Majesty's Stationery Office. 1925. p. 21.
  5. "St. Govan's Head – Walk 6" (PDF). Pembrokeshire Coast National Park.
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