The Diocese of Llandaff is an Anglican (Church in Wales) diocese that traces its roots to pre-Reformation times as heir of a Catholic bishopric. It is headed by the Bishop of Llandaff, whose seat is located at the Cathedral Church of Saint Peter and Saint Paul in Llandaff, a suburb of Cardiff. It currently covers most of the former Welsh county of Glamorgan, but once stretched from the River Towy to the middle of the Wye Valley.

Archdeaconries and deaneries

The diocese of Llandaff is currently divided into two archdeaconries: Llandaff and Margam. From 2002–2020 there was a third archdeaconry, that of Morgannwg; in 2020, of its four deaneries, Pontypridd and Merthyr Tydfil & Caerphilly moved to Llandaff, and Cynon Valley and Rhondda moved to Margam. The churches in the former Deanery of Penarth & Barry moved from the archdeaconry of Llandaff to the archdeaconry of Margam in 2023. See Archdeacon of Llandaff See Archdeacon of Margam

Pre-reformation history : Catholic bishopric

Legendary foundations

Lucius of Britain

A number of traditions associate Llandaff with Lucius of Britain. Lucius was believed to be a 2nd century king who first beseeched the Pope (Eleutherius) to convert him to Christianity. The Pope's response was to send a Christian mission to Britain, which would include the building of Britain's first church. The Welsh Triads relate this tradition to Llandaff, stating that Lucius "made the first Church at Llandaf, which was the first in the Isle of Britain." another triad lists ""the three archbishoprics of the Isle of Britain" and states that "the first was Llandaf, of the gift of Lleirwg (Lucius), the son of Coel, the son of Cyllin, who first gave lands and civil privileges to such as first embraced the faith in Christ." Although the Lucius legend is now considered to be pseudohistory, it was recounted by Nennius, Bede and Geoffrey of Monmouth, and seems to have been widely accepted in the medieval period. Four names are associated with the task of executing the Pope's wishes, these include the early Welsh saints Fagan, Deruvian and Elvan. Fagan is sometimes named as "the first Bishop of Llandaff" while all three became patrons of churches and villages throughout the diocese. Iolo Morgannwg also linked these early figures to Llandaff, writing extensively on this supposed early foundation. In the Iolo Manuscripts, he credits Fagan as the second Bishop of Llandaff (succeeding Dyfan, a figure Iolo conflates with Deruvian).

Saint Dubricius

The diocese was reputedly founded in 560 or earlier by Saint Teilo, during the monastic movement initiated by Saint Dubricius who presided over several monasteries in Ergyng, including Hentland and Moccas. Dubricius is said to have made Teilo abbot of this daughter monastery at Llandaff, which after Dubricius' death became a monastic cathedral and the chief monastery in South Wales. Saint Dubricius is usually given as the first bishop. The early history of diocese is, however, highly controversial, because the chief authority, the diocesan charters in the Book of Llandaff, though dating from the late 6th century, were considerably doctored to raise Llandaff's profile when they were copied in the early 12th century. Similarly, the saints' 'lives' therein have little basis in fact. Gilbert Hunter Doble and others have clearly demonstrated that there is no evidence that Saints Dubricius and Teilo had anything to do with Llandaff. Dubricius was only active in Ergyng and Gwent, while Teilo's associations with Llandaff have been transferred from his great abbey at Llandeilo Fawr.

Early times

The original church at Llandaff (perhaps a monastery) may well have been an early foundation. However, it is likely to have been founded by Saint Oudoceus rather than Saint Teilo. The early episcopal authority in the area was, indeed, in Ergyng and Gwent, originally under Dubricius and then his disciples. Their base may have been at Welsh Bicknor, Kenderchurch or Glasbury. Teilo's foundation at Llandeilo may have superseded Ergyng in the mid-7th century or, as David Nash Ford suggests, the two may have remained the seats of independent, yet parallel, bishoprics, as late as the mid-9th century. Both had accepted the ways of the Roman Catholic Church in 777. There certainly seems to have only been a single diocese by the late 9th century, based at Llandeilo. The Bishops were known as 'Bishop of Teilo'. When exactly the bishop's cathedra (and the Teilo traditions) moved to Llandaff, however, is not clear. Ford, again, suggests a date not much later, after the death of Bishop Nobis in 874. However, a date in the early 11th century or even later cannot be ruled out. The bishops of Llandaff long maintained absolute independence within their own territories, and the rights and privileges of the Church of Llandaff were extensive. However, there is a tradition that by 872, the bishops had already, nominally at least, accepted the authority of the English Province of Canterbury. Certainly this was the case by 982. The first Saxon bishop, Wulfrith, had been installed in 930, though he may have been of dual-nationality.

Norman times onwards

After the Norman Conquest of south-east Wales in the 1090s, the archbishops of Canterbury began to exercise their jurisdiction over Wales, and Saint Anselm placed Bishop Herewald of Llandaff under interdict. Herewald's successor, Urban, was consecrated at Canterbury, after taking an oath of canonical obedience to the archbishop, and from that time Llandaff became a full dependent of Canterbury. Standing difficulties were the admixture of race and language due to the English settlements and the ignorance and incontinence of the Welsh clergy, who had ceased to observe celibacy and gave scandal to the Normans and English alike. A reform was gradually effected, chiefly by the establishment of new monasteries and mendicant houses. The Book of Llandaff, now at the National Library of Wales, Aberystwyth, reflects Urban's territorial ambitions for his diocese. The present cathedral dates substantially from his time, 1120 and later.

Anglican Reformation

In the religious turmoil of the 16th century, the Bishop of Llandaff, Anthony Kitchin, was the only bishop in office at the accession of Elizabeth I who acquiesced in the religious changes and was accounted an apostate by fellow Catholics. He died in 1563. Rome had already decided to suppress the Catholic see in 1530; Thereafter, there continued a line of Anglican bishops up to the present day. Some of these showed aptitude for the conditions of the post, e. g. Blethyn and Morgan (the translator of the Bible), also those appointed under Charles II. Another Morgan suffered many years imprisonment for his Laudian convictions. The administration of the diocese suffered from its poor endowment and limited patronage, leading at the end of the 18th century to non-resident bishops (e.g. Watson) and the holding with other ecclesiastical benefices (such as the Deanery of St. Paul's). Failure to speak Welsh characterised the bishops during this period. Bishop Ollivant notably took up the challenge of providing churches for the newly industrialised valleys. The population explosion created pressure for the division of the diocese, which was put into effect with Disestablishment. The diocese remained part of the Province of Canterbury until the creation of the Church in Wales on 31 March 1920.

List of churches

APC = ancient parish church; MC = medieval chapel.

Archdeaconry of Llandaff

Caerphilly and Aber Valley Ministry Area

This was formed from the Eglwysilan & Caerphilly Rectorial Benefice. It has an estimated population of 40,722. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and one Team Vicar. 1original dedication to St Peter

Gabalfa and Tremorfa Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Gabalfa and Tremorfa. It has an estimated population of 19,978. As of October 2024 it was served by one Vicar and one Curate.

Garth Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Capel Llanillterne, Michaelston-Super-Ely, Pentyrch, Radyr, St Fagans and Tongwynlais. It is named after. It has an estimated population of 33,024. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and two Vicars. 1original dedication to St James

Llan Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Gilfach Goch, Tonyrefail and the Llantrisant Rectorial Benefice. It is named after. It has an estimated population of 67,922. As of October 2024 it was served by three Vicars.

Merthyr Tydfil Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Abercanaid, Dowlais, Merthyr Tydfil, Merthyr Vale, Penydarren and Troedyrhiw. It is named after. It has an estimated population of 46,882. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and three Vicars. 1originally dedicated to St Mary

North Cardiff Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Cardiff Roath Park, Lisvane and Llanishen. It is named after. It has an estimated population of 35,470. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and two Vicars. 1originally known as Christ Church Llanishen

Pontypridd Ministry Area

This was formed from the benefice of Pontypridd, previously including the parish of Pwllgwaun and Llanddewi Rhondda. It has an estimated population of 39,148. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and one Vicar. 1since 2022 administered from Citizen Church in Cardiff rather than as part of the local Ministry Area

Roath and Cathays Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Cardiff Citizen Church, Cardiff Dewi Sant, Cathays, Roath St Edward, Roath St German, Roath St Margaret, Roath St Martin and Urban Crofters. It is named after. It has an estimated population of 57,697. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader, five Vicars and one Curate. 1originally dedicated to St Teilo. Also runs churches in Pontypridd (St Mary's Glyntaff) and Caerphilly (Senghenydd) 2closed 2015 and reopened 2019 as Urban Crofters 3originally dedicated to St Andrew; closed in 1954. Congregation of Eglwys Dewi Sant (founded 1891; see below) moved in, and church reconsecrated as Dewi Sant 1956.

St John the Baptist Ministry Area

This was formed from the Cardiff City Parish. It is named after. It has an estimated population of 6,847. As of October 2024 it was served by one Priest-in-Charge, one Assistant Curate and one Associate Priest. 1dedicated to St Elvan until 1903

South Cardiff Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Cardiff St Dyfrig & St Samson, Cardiff St Mary, Grangetown and Roath St Saviour. It is named after. It has an estimated population of 47,003. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader. 1original dedication to St Samson

Taff Rhymney Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Bargoed, Bedlinog, Brithdir, Deri, Fochriw, Gelligaer, Llanbradach, Llanfabon, Pontlottyn, Treharris, Trelewis and Ystrad Mynach. It is named after the Taff Valley and the Rhymney Valley. It has an estimated population of 52,387. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader, two Vicars and one Curate. 1original dedication to St Andrew

Taff Wenallt Ministry Area

This was formed from the Whitchurch Rectorial Benefice. It is named after. It has an estimated population of 34,750. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and three Vicars.

The Cathedral Ministry Area

This was formed from the Cathedral Parish of Llandaff. It has an estimated population of 6,228. As of October 2024 it was served by one Dean, one Canon Precentor and one Canon Chancellor. 1original dedication to SS Dyfrig & Teilo

West Cardiff Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Caerau, Ely, Fairwater, Glan Ely and the Canton Rectorial Benefice. It has an estimated population of 64,800. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and four Vicars.

Archdeaconry of Margam

Afon Nedd Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Llansawel Briton Ferry, Skewen and the Neath Rectorial Benefice. It is named after. It has an estimated population of 39,559. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and one Vicar. 1original dedication to St Thomas a Becket 2known as the Tonmawr Mission until 2003

Barry Ministry Area

This was formed from the Rectorial Benefice of Barry, including the former parishes of Merthyr Dyfan and Cadoxton-juxta-Barry. It has an estimated population of 54,821. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and two Vicars. 1original dedication to St Teilo

Bro Noddfa Newydd Ministry Area

This was formed in 2022 by the union of the parishes of Cadoxton-Juxta-Neath, Cilybebyll, Dulais Valley, Dyffryn, Tonna and Vale of Neath. Its name means "A new safe haven" in Welsh. It has an estimated population of 34,303. As of October 2024 it was served by three Vicars.

Cowbridge Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Colwinston, Llandow, Llysworney and the Cowbridge Rectorial Benefice. It is named after the town of Cowbridge. It has an estimated population of 8,700. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and two Vicars.

Cynon Uchaf Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Aberdare St Elvan, Aberdare St Fagan, Aberdare St John the Baptist, Aberdare St John the Evangelist and Hirwaun. It is named after the upper Cynon Valley. It has an estimated population of 26,220. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and one Vicar.

Cynon Valley South Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Aberaman, Abercynon, Cwmaman, Cwmbach, Matthewstown, Miskin, Mountain Ash, Penrhiwceiber and Ynysboeth. It is named after the Cynon Valley. It has an estimated population of 34,284. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and two Vicars.

De Morgannwg Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Michaelston-Le-Pit, Penmark, Porthkerry, Rhoose, St Andrews Major, St Lythans, Sully and Wenvoe. Its name means "South Glamorgan" in Welsh. It has an estimated population of 20,975. As of October 2024 it was served by one Vicar.

East Vale Ministry Area

This was formed from the East Vale Rectorial Benefice. It has an estimated population of 4,213. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and one Vicar.

Heritage Coast Ministry Area

This was formed from the Glamorgan Heritage Coast Rectorial Benefice. It is named after the Glamorgan Heritage Coast. It has an estimated population of 19,949. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and two Vicars.

Llynfi and Upper Afan Valleys Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Caerau, Glyncorrwg, Llangynwyd, Maesteg and Troedrhiwgarth. It is named after the Afon Llynfi and Afan Valleys. It has an estimated population of 26,664. As of October 2024 it was served by one Vicar.

Margam Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Kenfig, Kenfig Hill, Margam, Newton Nottage, Porthcawl and Pyle. It is named after Margam Abbey (the town of Margam, confusingly, is in the Port Talbot Minsitry Area). It has an estimated population of 34,858. As of October 2024 it was served by two Vicars. 1this church was located in Kenfig and was moved (literally) to Pyle in the 15th century due to encroaching sands

Pedair Afon Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Aberkenfig, Bettws, Llandyfodwg & Cwm Ogwr, Llangeinor & the Garw Valley, Llanilid, Llansantffraid Aberkenfig and Pencoed. Its name means "Four Rivers" in Welsh. It has an estimated population of 38,245. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and four Vicars.

Penarth Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Llandough-juxta-Penarth and Penarth. It is named after Penarth. It has an estimated population of 26,385. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader, one Vicar and one Curate. 1occasional services still held

Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Coity, Coychurch, Laleston, Merthyr Mawr, Newcastle, Nolton and Penyfai. It is named after Bridgend (Pen-y-bont ar Ogwr in Welsh). It has an estimated population of 54,564. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and one Vicar.

Port Talbot Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Aberavon St Mary, Aberavon St Agnes, Baglan, Cwmafan, Margam St David, Port Talbot St Paul, Port Talbot St Theodore and Sandfields. It is named after the town of Port Talbot. It has an estimated population of 44,811. As of October 2024 it was served by one Ministry Area Leader and two Vicars.

Rhondda Ministry Area

This was formed by the union of the parishes of Clydach Vale, Dinas, Pen Rhondda Fawr, Penygraig, Pont Rhondda, Porth Newydd, Rhondda Fach Uchaf, Tonypandy, Williamstown and Ystradyfodwg. It is named after the Rhondda area. It has an estimated population of 70,235. As of October 2024 it was served by three Vicars. 1a joint church of the Baptist Union of Great Britain, the Baptist Union of Wales, the Church in Wales, the Congregational Federation, the Methodist Church, the Presbyterian Church of Wales, the Union of Welsh Independents, and the United Reformed Church

Dedications

Medieval churches (chapelries in italics)

Post-medieval churches

Sources