St Mary's Madonna, Kidwelly

 

 

St Mary's Church is an ancient building with tales going back into time - bullet holes in the tower, ancient peepholes for paupers, lepers or secret worshippers (who knows), a stone screen from the 1950's and a madonna which has moved around the building.

 

As you enter the church today, above the doorway you will see an empty niche.  This once was the location for a statue of the Madonna and child.  Ladies in their finery would bob a curtsy as they entered the church beneath her.  But one minister felt this smacked too much of idolatry and had her statue removed.  For years she remained unseen, during which time she became damaged and broken.

 

 

Now what remains of her image rests on a corbal next to the alter.