Bishopston is a large village with a population of around 2,000. A monastic settlement in the Dark Ages, the site grew to become a flourishing centre for market gardening in later centuries. The village takes its name from the fact that it was once owned by the Bishop of Llandaff. Like many places in the area, Bishopston also has a Welsh name - Llandeilo Ferwallt, which translates to the slightly longer 'The church of St. Teilo at the top of the wooded valley near the bubbling brook'.
Barland Quarry, located 1km north of Bishopston, is now disused, but large amounts of limestone have been quarried here in the past. The area is now used mainly by climbers and cavers.
On the nearby Barland Common, evidence of the old Barland Castle is still visible. This was the first medieval earthwork castle excavated in the whole of Glamorgan and is now visible as a broad ditch protecting a level platform some 25 metres across. During its excavation, several pieces of glazed pottery, fragments of a leather shoe and a bronze ornamental buckle were discovered. The site, unfortunately, lies on private land.
Bishopston
Bishopston Church
Bishopston Church, situated at the head of Bishopston Valley, is dedicated to St. Teilo, an early "archbishop" of Llandaff. According to the 'Book of Llandaff' - Liber Landavensis - the Parish of Bishopston dates back to the earliest days of the Celtic church when it took the form of a Christian monastic community. This monastic settlement, known as Llandeilo Ferwallt, would have been founded in Gower as a "daughter" church or subsidiary monastry to Teilo's major monastry at Llandeilo Fawr during the turn of the 6th century.
The present building was probably built during the 13th Century from an earlier chapel. Inside the chancel is an early priscina and the 13th Century font appears to have the base from an earlier period. There are also the remains of a medieval cross on the south side of the church. The massive tower has a small pyramidal roof rising within the English type battlement, housing at its foot two bells dated 1713 and 1714.
The church has been restored many times since the original Norman building, with a South Porch added in 1851 by Thomas Penrice of Kilvrough, recorded as such for posterity above it's solid oak door.
The east window of the chancel has a stained-glass window, which is a memorial to seven men of the Parish who lost their lives to the First World War.
The Church key is available from the nearby Winston Hotel. Groups should telephone (01792) 232140.
