Thread by @friendschurches

This month, more than 150 historic sites in Wales are offering free entry, special events or tours, as part of #OpenDoors, funded and organised by @cadwwales.

Participating monuments include Laugharne Castle, just a mile from St Oudoceus's church in Llandawke, Carmarthenshire.

This medieval castle, built in the 13th century for the de Brian family, was turned into a magnificent mansion in the Tudor period by Sir John Perrot. Unfortunately, Perrot was sentenced to execution by Elizabeth I, and he died in the Tower of London, while awaiting his fate.

Today, two imposing medieval towers stand watch over the remains of the mansion, surrounded by ornamental gardens. Its breathtaking position overlooking the Taf estuary inspired Laugharne's most famous resident — the writer Dylan Thomas — who called the castle 'brown as owls'.

St Oudoceus's (which features on one of our 2021 Christmas cards) also dates from the 13th century. Inside you'll find a 14thC heart burial effigy to St Margaret Marloes, a 6thC memorial stone inscribed with Latin and Ogham strokes and an intricately carved Victorian altar.

Laugharne Castle will be open for free on 18-19 September, and St Oudoceus's — like almost all of our churches in Wales — is open year-round.

To learn more about #OpenDoors2021 and to book tickets, visit
cadw.gov.wales/visit/whats-on…