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English
Welsh
This Unitarian Chapel was built in Camarthenshire in the 18th century and was moved to St Fagans.
Every town and village in Wales had at least one chapel. These were important community hubs in the past.
Religion was a big part of community life in the early 1900s with many attending church every Sunday.
The church in St Fagans village is called St Mary’s, this is probably where the Plymouth Family went.
Religion still played an important role in Welsh life when World War 1 broke out.
The church offered comfort and helped communities cope with loss.
Soldiers also used the church to get married before leaving for war, or when back on leave.
Many churches and chapels also helped recruit young men as soldiers.
They displayed propaganda posters that didn’t show the reality of war.
They described it as a “just war” and said it would be over in a few months!
In 2014 Welsh Church leaders joined together to apologise for the role the Church played in recruiting soldiers.
It is believed that what happened during World War 1 led to people going to church less in Wales.
These days many people only go to church for specific celebrations like weddings and Christmas.
There are many beautiful churches, chapels and cathedrals to visit throughout Wales.
You can enjoy the art and the history whether you’re religious or not!
Do you have a favourite church or chapel?
Welcome to the Wartimes at St Fagans trail!
St Fagans is a living history museum where you can explore the past and learn about how people lived….
The Chapel
Every town and village in Wales had at least one chapel. These were important community hubs in the past…
Hugh Pettigrew
In 1897, The Earl appointed a man called Hugh Pettigrew as Head Gardener at St Fagans Castle…
The Dovecot
This Dovecot was used by the Plymouth family who used to keep pigeons for their meat and eggs…
The Rosery
Head gardener, Hugh Pettrigrew, planned the rosery in 1898. He filled the garden with more than 100 types of roses…
Castle Gardens
These gardens would have looked and felt very different in the early 1900s when they were transformed for the war effort…
St Fagans Castle
The castle played an important role in the First World War and was used as a training ground for the Red Cross in 1910…
Project funders
Using money raised by National Lottery players, The National Lottery Heritage Fund supports projects that connect people and communities with the UK’s heritage.
The Secret Garden is made possible with The National Lottery Heritage Fund. Thanks to National Lottery players, we have been able to work with adults with learning disabilities and other additional needs to explore the rich history of Ysgubor Fawr cottage and nurture its garden.
