St Mary's Church, Aberavon

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St Mary's Church, Aberavon

St Mary's Church in Aberavon, Port Talbot, South Wales, is an Anglican church in the Church in Wales. It is part of the Rectorial Benefice of Aberavon and has been a Grade II listed building since 2000, marking its special historical interest.

History and architecture
The site has hosted a church since at least 1199. The current Gothic Revival church was built in 1858–59, designed by John Prichard and John Pollard Seddon. The tower was added around 1870, and the north aisle followed in 1898, designed by G. E. Halliday.

Interior and notable features
Inside, an alabaster and green marble reredos (altar screen) was designed in 1890 by Frederick R. Kempson and Charles Busteed Fowler, who worked on other Welsh churches. A piscina was placed in the chancel in 1927, likely moved from another location. The churchyard is notable for the grave of Dic Penderyn, who was executed in 1831; a memorial was erected in 1966.

Recent status
The last service at St Mary’s was held on 21 April 2024, and the building is planned to be deconsecrated and repurposed.