Welsh Churches Open Doors to Share Rich Heritage

A stained glass window given in thanks for the safe return of a soldier from the Battle of Bosworth and a 500-year-old carved screen detailing the story of the patron saint of hares were just some of the treasures in Welsh churches that were on display last weekend.

More than 150 churches took part in Open Churches Day last Saturday to show visitors the beauty and stories of Wales' rich ecclesiastical heritage. While many of them are open for visitors all the year round, the day was an opportunity for them to highlight and celebrate the treasures most miss or take for granted as well as look at important social documents, such as baptism and marriage registers.

The Bishop of Swansea and Brecon, the Rt Rev Anthony Pierce, gave his backing to the initiative, now in its second year.

He says, "I welcome the opportunity provided once again this year to open up to a wider public the wonderful heritage of historic churches of which the Church in Wales is custodian.

"We need to remember that our churches are not private possessions to be hoarded for the few but gifts to be shared with the many. What witness to God does an almost permanently padlocked building give to those who wish to visit it?"

There were also guided tours, teas, talks and special services to welcome visitors during the open day, organised by Churches Tourism Network Wales.

"All the evidence is that when churches are open this is something that is greatly valued - as the comments in so many Visitors Books inform us. A visit to an open church can be for many the way in which they connect, often for the first time, with the Christian faith," said Bishop Pierce.

A spokesperson for Visit Wales says, "Churches are not just important spiritual centres, they have recorded the fabric of our society for centuries. From impressive cathedrals to humble country parishes, they have preserved treasures which tell us who were are and where we came from. We encourage visitors to take advantage of this open day and find out more about our heritage."