From the outside Rug Chapel is pretty enough, but unremarkable. Inside, however, it is a different story.
Luckily it managed to avoid the Victorian campaign to "restore" our parish churches by ripping out all the 17th and 18th furnishings and returning them to what they believed was their medieval character.
Check the Cadw site for opening times, admission prices, etc.
It was built in 1637 by Colonel William Salesbury, affectionately known as 'Hen Hosanau Gleision' (Old Blue Stockings), as a private chapel. It has survived, largely unaltered, since then.
The heavy oak beams and panelling could have resulted in a gloomy interior where it not for the magnificently vibrant painting which, even after 400 years, gives the interior a warm glow that contrasts remarkably with the cold, hard, puritanical aesthetic of most parish churches.
The farm shop sells Rhug Estate's range organic meat, along with other wholesome food and drink both from the estate and from other local suppliers, together with a range of gifts.
Also on the site are the Bison Grill Bistro, and the On the Hoof take-away, as well as camping, conference facilities and more.
There are also way-marked farm walks. However, I have to admit that I got lost. So, either the way-marking is inadequate or I'm getting old and confused. Probably the latter.
I did, however, track down the herd of bison; magnificent beasts and very tasty too.
External Links and References
External Links
Rhug Estate
All you need to know about the Rhug Estate, and an on-line shop. https://rhug.co.uk/
Tucked away down a track off a minor road, Llangar Old Parish Church (Hen Eglwys Plwyf Llangar) is kept locked, but if you are sufficiently organised you can borrow a key from the ticket office at Rug Chapel (check the Cadw site).
I wasn't sufficiently organised; so an exterior shot only, I'm afraid.
This is a shame, as apparently the interior is adorned with stunning wall paintings from the 14th and 15th centuries. One to go back to.
External Links and References
External Links
Llangar Old Parish Church
Cadw handbook entry https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/llangar-old-parish-church
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