I have been on the road again, this time in South Wales. I had wanted to visit the Church of St. Teilo's and in particular the Gronow Chapel therein for some considerable time and so a visit to St. Fagans National History Museum was high on the list.
Originally situated outside Pontarddulais. near Swansea and built in stages from around 1100 to 1250. The Welsh place-name Llandeilo Talybont, "the church of St. Teilo at the head of the bridge" refers to the first crossing point of the river with its ancient settlement alongside, near the Roman fort of Leucarum (Loughor), whereas the situation of the old church itself, in a tidal marsh on the river Loughor, gives it its locally known name 'the Church of St. Teilo on the Marsh'.
Two
small transepts or chapels were added to the north and south of the building in
the late 14th century, and linked by arches to the chancel. The north chapel was
known as the Gronow Chapel presumably after its benefactor. A will of 1559 thus describes ""..one tenement of lands in the occupation of JOHN WILLIAM GROWMOWE" The tenement was called 'Llodre Morte' and is now known as Llandremor in the parish of Llandeilo Tal-y-bont.
Some 323 years later & Gronow's were still being buried at St. Telio. This report from a Swansea Newspaper.
Death of Mr William Rees Gronow.- We regret to have to announce the death of Mr Wm. Rees Gronow, of Swansea, which took place on Saturday. A week ago the deceased left home to spend a few weeks with his wife's friends at Smart's-green, North Nibley, Gloucestershire. He however, caught cold in passing over the Channel, and at the end of his journey had to take to his bed. Congestion of the lungs set in, and the illness was such as to cause great anxiety to his friends. Mrs Rees Gronow telegraphed for Mr. G. H. Gronow, who reached North Nibley on Saturday, but not until his brother had expired. Deceased was connected with her Majesty's Customs at Swansea for about 37 years and for some time acted as chief clerk. He filled the office of churchwarden at St. Mary's Church several times, and was at the time of his death a sidesman. In consequence of his long connection with the town he had made many private friends, and was greatly respected. He was in his 57th Year. The body will be brought to Swansea to-day (Monday) for interment.
Western Mail (Cardiff, Wales), Monday, May 22nd 1882 Issue 4065.William was buried on the 24th May 1882, at the Church of St. Telio on the Marsh, Llandeilo Talybont, to rest with his Mother & Father & six other brothers and sisters.
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