St. Illtyd's Church, Oxwich

Almost hidden and nestled away under the woodland behind oxwich bay lies the idylic church of st Illtyd.

The church area was originally founded as a place of worship sometime in the 6th century on what was apparently sacred celtic ground. It is believed that what is now the main building was constructed during the 13th century and the castellated tower being added later on in the 14th century.

The church holds monuments dating from the 13th century including an effigy of what looks like a knight and his lady. These sculptures are located inside a recess in the north side of the church, known to locals as 'Doolamur's Hole. The sculptures look to be made out of stone but is in fact made from local sand which had been binded together with a plaster and covered with a plaster coat.

There is dispute on who the sculptures are based on. It is often thought that they are two members of the De La Mere family who once owned Oxwich Castle and apparently died drowning in Oxwich Bay in the early 14th century. Another theory comes from historians who believe that the armour of the knight is of 15th century origin and that both sculptures actually look like Sir Joh Penres and his wife Margaret Flemming who owned the manor of Oxwich during that time.

Other momuments include the church bell which was probably added when the tower was constructed sometime during the 14th century. There is also an ancient font installed within the church which legend has it was brought here by saint Illtyd himself.