It may be the stones of Margam Abbey which stand so resolute and strong, but it’s a more subtle find we’re seeking here. The Stones of Margam Abbey are a collection of 30 inscribed stones and crosses discovered across Margam and Port Talbot in the nineteenth century. They are dated from the sixth to the 16th centuries. Among them are 17 stones from the earlier pre-Norman period.
These stone crosses and pillars have distinct carvings and text, decorated with Celtic knot work, intricate lattice patterns, fashioned in old red and pennant sandstone. Many of them were found beside old Roman roads, presumed to be markers and memorials to warriors, leaders or other ‘important’ people!
However, this presumption has been challenged recently by one historian who suggests there is evidence that some of the earlier crosses here, along with others found across Scotland, Cornwall and Western England suggest the flourishing of an early cult of saints. With many of the monuments standing stall, meant to be seen, the crosses may have stood as shrines to saints, a place where people could pray. The memory of these saints is lost to us but this interpretation would mean the number of known saints could increase by 230!
Hwyl
Here,
the steelwork flames, light and smoke
seem sometimes to dominate the landscape,
as they mark out
and make a community of
industrial proportions
built upon its own brimstone back.
Here,
written into sandstone,
ribboned knot work,
is carved into hues
of red and grey and orange,
These stones supply
a subtle nod to the past,
of saints who set about
to create an industry of love,
fuelled by faith.
Then, these stones
marked well travelled roads,
stopping points to pray,
drawing us closer
to the community of Heaven.
Places of prayer
along another journey
where the only smoke is incense,
and the only light
is God.
Bible Reading
From Revelation 21:22-27
I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.
Prayer
Lord God,
here,
in this place,
we are touched by the past,
stones carved for the saints of old
and placed along the roadside.
As we travel along
our own road through life,
help us to be attentive
to the present needs
of those who present themselves to us,
and to look forward to the future
with confidence in your love
and the hope of your glory.
Through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Stay Awhile
Stay awhile,
be still, and be at peace.
Here,
in this place,
these stones,
displayed for all to see,
seem to have lost their purpose,
but still they are here to see.
Beyond,
the Abbey Church
remains,
offers a rich heritage
of constant worship
through the years,
and in which you stand now,
part of a chain reaction,
where love gives way to love.
So be still, for now,
for a brief moment,
and be at peace.
Pray for
Pray for the people
of the local communities
of Margam and Port Talbot,
and the churches which remain here,
offering a constant witness
and constant prayer.
Pray for all who pass this way,
and all work for these communities.
Hwyl Fawr
May God’s angels watch over us.
May God saints pray for us.
May God’s light illuminate us.
And may God give us his blessing,
now and for ever more. Amen.
St David, pray for us.
St Winifred, pray for us.
All the Saints of God, pray for us.
LINKS & INFO
Website: For more details of Margam Abbey check out:
Where next?
Plan your journey to the next part of the Llanscape of Wales using our Google Maps Trail:
South Cardiff Ministry Area 