St Elli Church, Churches and Chapels Llanelli, Carmarthenshire - Wales where to go, what to see and where to stay in Wales

St. Elli Parish Church is located in Bridge Street, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire, Wales. <br><br> It is the oldest church in Llanelli and is believed to have been built on or near an ancient pagan shrine. A religious cell was established during the Age of Saints in the 5th and 6th centuries and the monastery on the site was probably fortified in the 12th century. The church has undergone many restorations throughout its history and is a Grade 2* listed building. The tower dates from the 12th Century and houses six bells. The chancel dates to around the 15th Century. <br><br> In 1574, Queen Elizabeth I presented the Parish Church with a silver chalice, known as the Elizabethan Chalice, which is used on two occasions each year: the Holy Eucharist at the midnight mass on Christmas Eve, and for the Holy Eucharist on Easter Sunday. <br><br> There has been much discussion and debate about the identity of the Saint to whom the church was dedicated. A plan of Llanelli in the 19th century shows the church as being that of St Ellyw, and some are of the opinion that Saint Elli was one of the many daughters of Brychan Brycheiniog. Brychan ruled the area (where Brecon is today) during the Age of Saints. <br><br> At present the service in the morning is in Welsh and the evening service is in English. In the future the hope is to make the Church the central point of the Benefice where we can house our office space, a drop in centre and a place to reflect, pray and relax with light refreshments.