St. Mary's Church, Swansea

St. Mary’s Collegiate and Parish Church, an Anglican place of worship, boasts a rich history that stretches back to circa 1328, when the original church was erected by Henry de Gower, Bishop of St David's. Over the centuries, the church has endured several significant changes and challenges. In 1739, the roof of the nave collapsed one Sunday morning, but fortunately, it occurred before the congregation arrived, preventing any injuries. The church was rebuilt shortly thereafter, though the original tower was preserved.

By 1822, St. Mary’s Church had been illuminated by gas, marking a modern advancement for the time. The church underwent substantial renovations between 1879 and 1882 under the guidance of Vicar Dr. Morgan. However, it was in 1896 that a major transformation occurred when the church was demolished and rebuilt according to the designs of Arthur Blomfield, commissioned by Dean Allan Smith. Despite this extensive redevelopment, some elements of the old church were retained.

The church's resilience was tested again during World War II. In February 1941, St. Mary’s suffered severe damage during the Blitz. Reconstruction did not commence until the 1950s, demonstrating the church's enduring significance to the community despite the wartime devastation.

Adding to its historical narrative, St. Mary’s has a unique local anecdote: from the 1890s, a figure known as the Swansea Devil stood on a set of buildings facing the west side of the church. This was a result of a disgruntled rival of Blomfield's, who was upset that his designs were not chosen. The Swansea Devil is a curious footnote in the church’s storied past, reflecting the sometimes contentious nature of architectural and civic development.