ST MARY'S CHURCH

This beautiful Grade 11* Listed Church dates from the 12th Century when it was attached to a Benedictine Priory. It has been a place of worship without interruption, since that time. The present Chancel dates from the 14th century and contains many historic items. The church was the home of the medieval shrine of Our Lady of Cardigan (also named Our Lady of the Burning Taper because the Child Jesus held a burning taper in His hand).

It was to symbolize that Jesus is the Light of the world. Pilgrims would flock here on their way from St Davids to Bardsey Island. In 1512, the Pope granted pilgrims the same spiritual privileges as those who visited the churches in Rome in person. It is likely that Our Lady of Cardigan owes its origin to Flemish colonists in Cardigan who exported wool to Flanders through the port and returned to Cardigan with the statue. A more flowery account is that it was found floating in the River Teifi