Llancarfan is situated some 3 miles north of the Severn Estuary in the very heart of the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales. The Valeways Millenium Heritage Trail (VMH Trail) traces its route through the village en-route from Cowbridge, Llanbleddian, Flemingston, and Llanbethery in the west, to Penmark, Rhoose and Barry in the east. Llancarfan is a small village tucked into the peaceful Nant Carfan valley that is of much more importance than its size might suggest.

The famous Welsh historian, mythologist, forger and founder of the Gorsedd of Bards, Iolo Morganwg was born in Llancarfan. But it is not the drug taking Morganwg that is the villages claim to fame.

Nor is it the meandering valeways that weave together church & pub, ancient relics, healing springs and rural delights … attractive as they are. No, Llancarfan's importance to the history of Wales lies within the walls of the old church of St Cadoc's.

During the 15th Century the protestant reformists, under the influence of Henry V111 chose to vandalise the churches of the British Isles. The original brightly decorated churches and abbeys were branded papist and were thus subjected to an age of vandalism and destruction. Some works did survive however. Protected by the whitewash intended to destroy them wall paintings on St Cadoc's Church survived in tact until in 2008 a line of red ochre was spotted underneath the limewash by an eagle eyed architect.

Conservators were brought in and a new and exciting age has dawned for St Cadoc's. Today paintings are being uncovered that have been unseen for 500 years. Click on the link below to get the full story on the St Cadoc's Church website.