Llangennith - St. Cenydd's church - one of Gower's bigger churches

Llangennith located at the south-western foot of the Llanmadock Hill is unlike Port Eynon and Oxwich, is not a seaside village, it does however, hold the characteristic, traditions and association with village life of Gower.

 

Llangennith derives its name from the dedication of the church, St. Cenydd church. In honour to St. Cenydd, a priory was also founded. The early building of the village were destroyed by the Vikings during 986 During the reign of King Stephen, Roger de Beaunmont, Earl of Warwick is said to conquer the territory of Gower, also incorporating Llangennith. 

The houses situated around the village, have been whitewashed in appearance.  The soil around Gower is very fertile.  During the First World War, the villages graciously voted after a public meeting to fall in line the Government of the day, introduction of daylight saving.

St. Cenydd church on of the largest in Gower.  Cenydd, a Breton prince, who became a Christian hermit living on the Gower Peninsula.  As a cripple, Cenydd was placed in osiers cradle and placed in the Loughor estuary, eventually the cradle made its way to Worm’s Heads.  Seagulls and angels made sure that he survived and educated a Christian.

Now living as a hermit, his only companion was an untrustworthy servant, who dishonestly stole a spear from a group of robbers who Cenydd received hospitably.  Saint David, whilst travelling to Synod of Brefi, during 545 cured Cenydd.

Legend according to Iolo Morganwg, stat that Cenydd was the son of Gildas and before becoming a monk of Llanilltud Fawr, Cenydd married and having a son.  This son, Saint Ffilli, is thought to be names sake of Caerphilly.

the early church dedicated to St. Cenydd, was established during the 6^th century.  These buildings were replaced by the 12^th century building.  During the period of the Normans, the large square tower was added.  During the 1880s the church interior was restored and remodelled. 

Two notable burials at the church are Phil Tanner and pilot Anthony Eyre, DFC.

Phil Tanner, born 1862, Llangennith.  Son of Isaac and Jennet Tanner.  Phil was an important folk singer who was locally known as “the Gower Nightingale”.  Phil married during 1886, Ruth Nicholas.  His songs were sang in English, and they were about Gower in his youth.  During his 70s, Tanner, reached national audiences with his records for Columbia and the BBC.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

England and Wales Census
2nd April 1871

England and Wales Census
2nd April 1911

 

Tanner died February 1950 at Eventide Home, the old Gower workhouse, Penmaen.  Wynford Vaughan-Thomas paid tribute to Tanner during 1976 saying “the voice of the sanest, happiest, kindest eccentric I ever knew, the voice of Phil Tanner, the Gower Nightingale”.

 

Anthony Eyre, born 1918 Lowestoft.  He was educated at Whitgift school, Croydon, further his education to study Law.  1938, Anthony joined the 615 squadron, Auxiliary Air Force, called for full time service during August 1939. 

Early June 1940, Anthony claimed and destroyed as Me109 and damaged Me110.  August 1940, Anthony was awarded the DFC, with credited for destroying seven enemy aircraft.  The Citation read

“This officer has shot down seven enemy aircraft, and inflicted damage on several others. Whilst on service in France, he showed eagerness to fly on all occasions and during the winter his flying times exceeded fifty hours monthly. During the evacuation from France, Flying Officer Eyre was entrusted with an important message from England to France and successfully completed this mission, which required great coolness and presence of mind. He has at all times shown great devotion to duty.”

December 1940, Anthony was appointed Flight Commander and the following February took command of the squadron, after the CO was killed when his parachute caught fire and failed to open.

During April 1941, Anthony was posted away for a rest, and reported back in March 1942, for operations.  During this first sortied on the 8^th, flying a Spitfire, a lone Fw190 dived through the squadron and shot Anthony down.  After crashing south of Mardyck aerodrome, Anthony was captured and made a POW.

During the remainder of the war, Anthony was held at Stalag Luft III, and freed May 1945. After the war, Anthony was appointed CO of RAF Fairwood Common.

16^th February 1946, Anthony taking off in Tempest in a routine practise flight.  During the flight, the engine stalled and making for an emergency landing at St. Athans.  On the approach to the airstrip, the engines finally cut out and Anthony struck a large oak tree at Llancadle Farm.  Anthony was killed outright.

During 2006, Whitgift school, Croydon, unveiled a plaque bearing the names of the ‘old boys’ were saw action during the Battle of Britain.