St Govans Chapel by ejn
Close
Hover over top left image to zoom.
Click anywhere to exit.
Members remain the original copyright holder in all their materials here at Renderosity. Use of any of their material inconsistent with the terms and conditions set forth is prohibited and is considered an infringement of the copyrights of the respective holders unless specially stated otherwise.
Description
St Govans Chapel
Perched precariously below cliffs at St Govan’s Head on the Pembrokeshire coast is the tiny 13th-century St Govan’s Chapel. Huddled among the rocks, almost at sea level, it’s only accessible by climbing down 52 steps. It was built on the site of a holy well that once attracted pilgrims. Inside the sandy-floored chapel is a simple stone altar and a small cell hewn from the rock which contains a fissure. Legend has it that this first opened to hide St Govan when he was being pursued by hoodlums. It’s said that if you make a wish while standing in the fissure it will come true, provided you don’t change your mind before you turn around. Outside the chapel there is a large rock boulder known as the Bell Rock. The legend is that St Govan was given a silver bell which was stolen by pirates from its bell tower. St Govan prayed for its return and angels retrieved it and placed it inside a rock where it would be safe. St Govan used to tap the rock which gave a note a thousand times stronger than the note of the original bell.
St Govan was born of the Hy Cinnselach clan who lived in County Wexford in Ireland. His proper name was Gobhan or Gobban, which means a smith; of Gobanniuere, the old name for Abergavenny, meaning a smithy.
This has to be viewed full size
Comments (16)
BecSchm
Wonderful image!
jayfar
Absolutely beautiful, pin sharp. Have been to Pembroke but didn't see this. I have missed out!
kgb224
This is a simply stunning capture my friend.
newleaf
Excellent capture and interesting history. Enjoyable viewing
durleybeachbum
Outstanding! I hope you watched the programme with the dashing young vicar re-enacting St Govan bathing nude in the sea below to calm his urges.
A.C.Wolfe
Wow, nice
mariogiannecchini
Very beautful image !Interesting info !
ysvry
great foto and story.
bclaytonphoto
wow, this is a fantastic shot
watapki66
Beautiful work!
MrsRatbag
Wow! What a stunning shot! I love this!
whtknight
wonderful capture,well done.
Pogo22
Cool scene and lighting - Excellent
kobaltkween
the natural simplicity of the church blends it so perfectly with the cliff that it surprises the eye like a rock fish or a chameleon. the depth of field seems oddly consistent in places, which adds to the sense of the surreal. oh, and yes, you definitely need to zoom.
amanda_a42
Most beautiful and artistic. Excellent work!
neoexcello
You really did your magic on this one!!! Superb. Looks like the cliffside has devoured the chapel. Love it.