GM376

Llanelen Chapel Site  

 

Designated  

Swansea  

Llanrhidian Lower  

251132  

193365  

Religious, Ritual and Funerary  

Chapel  

Medieval  

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument. The monument comprises the remains of a small medieval chapel. The chapel has a traditional foundation in the 6th century and the dedication is to Helena, wife of Maximus killed AD 388. The present building is of 11th or 12th century date. The foundations of the chapel stand on a platform some 40m x 18m cut into the hillside. The main part of the building measures 10m x 5.5m and at the east end is a narrow chancel 4m in length. To the east of the platform is a rectangular stone building presumably a dwelling house. The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of the organisation and practice of medieval Christianity. The site forms an important element within the wider medieval landscape. The site is well preserved and retains considerable archaeological potential. There is a strong probability of the presence of evidence relating to chronology, layout, building techniques and functional detail. The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.