£500,000 grant to save churchs Seven Deadly Sins

A medieval church in Llancarfan, Wales, has been awarded a grant of half a million pounds to preserve a unique series of wall paintings.

The 500-year-old paintings were discovered during repair work to St Cadoc’s Church.

They include one of the largest and best preserved images in the UK of St George and the Dragon, and four depictions of the Seven Deadly Sins – lust, sloth, pride and avarice.

It is only the third such wall painting of George and the Dragon to be found in Wales but is considered the most sophisticated by conservators working on the project.

The Heritage Lottery Fund grant will be used to conserve the stunning paintings and the church’s carved timber ‘reredos’ canopies and wooden painted screens.

Part of the funds will be used to install digital displays and train volunteers to share the church’s rich medieval heritage with visitors.

A placement in specialist conservation techniques for fine arts will be offered to university students and educational packs will be put together for school groups.

The Venerable Peggy Jackson, Priest-in-Charge of Llancarfan, said she was grateful for the grant.

"As a community we are also excited by the prospect of what is still to come, and look forward to learning more, and sharing more, with the many visitors who will be finding their way to Llancarfan in the years ahead."

Dan Clayton Jones, outgoing Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund in Wales, said he was looking forward to returning to the church as a visitor and seeing the difference the fund had made.

“St. Cadoc’s Church’s medieval heritage is hugely important to the story of Christianity in Wales and it is vital that it is properly interpreted and conserved for future generations to explore,” he said.

“This project will help tell the story of this fascinating building in a way that will appeal to young people and visitors alike, while ensuring that the site remains a focal point for the whole community.

“I’m delighted that this project is helping to conclude my time with HLF as it embodies everything I like to see in a project. It is inspiring to see local volunteers so passionate about playing their part in taking our heritage forward and in doing so learning new skills.”