18/10/2026
Set in the beautiful Carmarthenshire countryside, just a few miles from Whitland, Ciffig Church is a historic place of worship with a story stretching back through the centuries. Its ancient stonework and peaceful surroundings offer a glimpse into the rich religious and social history of this part of Wales.
The church is mentioned in The Book of Llandaff, a medieval collection compiled in the 12th century from older documents. This suggests that a place of worship may have stood here for well over a thousand years, although the earliest origins of the site remain uncertain. The oldest surviving part of the present building is the nave, dating from the 13th century.
During the 15th century, the church underwent significant changes, with the addition of a north aisle and chancel, while its impressive square tower dates from the later medieval period. Inside, a medieval stone font and other historic features offer a tangible connection to the generations who gathered here for worship, baptisms, weddings and funerals.
Among the church’s most poignant features is the east window, which commemorates Captain William John Howells of the Welch Regiment. He died from wounds sustained during the Gallipoli campaign in 1915, during the First World War. His memorial is a reminder of the local lives touched by events far beyond this quiet corner of Wales.
There is also a deeply moving memorial in the churchyard to five children of the Pale family who all died before reaching the age of seven. Their story brings a very human dimension to this historic place, reminding us of the hardships and heartbreak experienced by families in generations past.
Ciffig Church is more than an old building; it is a keeper of memories, faith and community. Through centuries of change, its stones have stood witness to countless lives and stories, many of which will never be known to us. Places like this remind us how closely our history is woven into the landscapes around us, and how much there is to discover when we take a moment to look a little closer.
