Development of Resources for Interpretation and Learning
One of the key areas that is currently being explored in the project with the support of a specialist heritage consultant is the development of resources for interpretation and learning. The emerging plan for this element of the project is as follows:
The project aims
- To provide access to and interpretation of a nationally important collection of Celtic Stones.
- To provide a fully equipped educational centre for those involved in Celtic studies – history, culture & spirituality
- To interpret the story of St.Illtud’s Church and its importance to the development of Christianity within Celtic lands, Britain and in the local area.
- To improve access to, presentation & interpretation of the heritage of the whole site, including the significant history and heritage of the present church.
- To enhance ownership of and identification with their heritage by the local community, especially younger people.
Significant heritage
- The school founded by Illtud and his community is recognised as Britain’s earliest centre of learning.
- St.Illtud’s is a pivotal site in the history of Celtic Christianity of a similar stature to Iona and Holy Island.
- A place of continuous Christian worship for over 1500 years.
- One of the most important collections of Celtic standing stones & crosses in Wales.
- The present church contains examples of craftsmanship of every century for the past one thousand years.
Target audiences
- Our church
- Local residents & local community groups
- Local schools & other local educational establishments
- Interest groups
- Academic institutions specialising in Celtic Studies
- Pilgrims, tourists & visitors
Ideas for interpretation & learning
- A permanent exhibition related to the Celtic Stones.
- An archive of information related to the study of Celtic history, culture & spirituality.
- Guided tours (of the exhibition, church, churchyard and other places in Llantwit Major).
- Structured interactive activities for school pupils & other young people.
- Educational resources for local schools including topic based schemes of work – for use on and off-site.
