Rug Chapel and Llangar Church

These delightful religious sites are located close together in beautiful countryside just west of Corwen.

Rug is a rare example of a little altered private 17th century chapel. It's founder, 'Old Blue Stockings' Colonel William Salusbury, collaborated with Bishop William Morgan, first translator of the Bible into Welsh.

The chapel's plain exterior gives little hint of the riches within, an interior which reflects the Colonel's 'High Church' religious views.

A rood screen separated clergy from congregation, members of which could feast their eyes on carved wooden angels and an elaborate roof decorated from end to end. Nothing is spared the artist's hand, not even the beams, which are painted with intertwining rose motifs.

There is more carving to admire at ground level, in the alter rails, family pews, painted gallery and bench ends. As a counterpoint to this exuberance, a ghoulish wall painting of a recumbent skeleton serves as a reminder of mortality.

This wonderful little building makes a large impact on visitors. Architect Sir Edwin Lutyens wrote that the chapel influenced his work, including the Viceroy's House in New Delhi, built 1912-30.

Llangar Church is even older than Rug. This small medieval building stands in an idyllic setting a mile or so south of Rug overlooking the confluence of the Dee and Alwen rivers.

Like Rug, Llangar takes visitors back to another age. The church, superseded by a new one at nearby Cynwyd in the 1850's, retains many ancient features, including extensive 15th century wall paintings, a 17th century figure of death, old beams, box pews, pulpit and minstrels' gallery.

Access:- Rug Chapel: Off A494 1 mile NW of Corwen.

Access:- Llangar Church: Off B4401 1 mile S.West of Corwen.

Opening Hours 2008 - 2009

Last admission half an hour before closing.

Rug Chapel 1^st April to 30^th September 10.00 to 17.00 - Wednesday - Sunday.
(Both monuments are closed Monday & Tuesday except Bank Holiday Weekends).

Llangar Church 1^st April to 30^th September 13.00 - 14.30 access to Llangar Church through the custodian at Rug Chapel (01490 412025 for details).

Llangar Church is a walk of 350yds on the B4401. Access can be difficult for people who suffer from loss of mobility.

Winter:- Closed

Contact and Admission Information

Telephone:- +44 1490 412025.

Admission Charge:- Adults £3.70, Reduced rate £3.30.

Family Ticket:- £10.70 - admits 2 adults and up to 3 children under 16 years.

Three or seven day explorer passes are available to give you free admission to the historic sites in the care of Cadw.

Cadw, Plas Carew, Unit 5/7 Cefn Coed, Park Nantgarw, Cardiff, CF15 7QQ, Wales, UK.

Telephone:- +44 1443 33 6000
Fax:- +44 1443 33 6001

12th July 11am - 4pm - A programme of Crafts with Plenty of Opportunity for Visitors to Try for Themselves. 

Top 2 photos:- Rug Chapel and interior

Bottom 2 photos:- Llangar Church and interior.