Dyffryn House and the Galilee Chapel, Llantwwit Major.

Some 21 members attended the annual summer trip. This year the Society visited Dyffryn House a grand mansion in the Vale of Glamorgan and later the Galilee Chapel at Llantwit Major.

Most of the present development at Dyffryn stems from the investment of the coal magnate John Cory ( he of Cory St. fame) who came to Dyffryn in the 1890s. It was later used as an education centre by the the County of Glamorgan Education Authority and its successors and in recent years has been taken over by the National Trust who are doing an excellent job in restoring the house and gardens to its magnificent glory. The members were given an opportunity to walk ( or be driven) around the magnificent gardens and had a guided tour of the house ( one of the guides hailed from the Orrells family of Resolven). During the tour, it was stated that the work now being undertaken was dependent on volunteers, with over seventy volunteer gardeners working on the project.

                                              Dyffryn House and croquet lawn 
                             In the afternoon, the members had a leisurely visit to nearby Llantwit Major and the Galilee Chapel. The Chapel is incorporated within St Illtyd's Church and is the home of four Celtic crosses and an exhibition. Llanilltyd  Fawr ( Llantwit Major) is the cradle of Christianity in Wales, with the Celtic crosses dating from the fifth century.

                                                                  Some members on the guided tour

                                            Stained glass window probably featuring Admiral Button of Dyffryn

                                                                        Time for tea!!!

                                                                One of the guides and an ancient map of Dyffryn

Which is the oldest?

St Iltyd's Church