Rug Chapel

Hysbysiad Ymwelwyr
Rug Chapel is open as part of our guided tours programme from May to August each year. These tours provide a unique opportunity to explore the site with expert insights into its history and significance. Want to be the first to know about new tour dates and prices?
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Extravagant private chapel of an arch Royalist who clung to the old ways
Walk through the beautiful garden of herbs, roses and lavender towards simple stone Rug Chapel with its little arched doorway – and prepare to be amazed.
Inside are wonders out of all proportion to the plain exterior. As your eyes adjust to the atmospheric lighting you’ll see fantastic carved animals adorning the walls and benches – scaly dragons, serpents and other strange whimsical monsters.
Above you the magnificent carved roof is painted in a glorious flowing floral design and four cut-out wooden angels guard the scene. Every surface seems to be a riot of colour or extravagant decoration.
Rug is one of very few 17th-century churches to avoid the ‘restorers’ of the Victorian Gothic revival. It was the private chapel of Colonel William Salesbury, affectionately known as ‘Hen Hosanau Gleision’ or Old Blue Stockings.
He was a staunch Royalist who defended nearby Denbigh Castle for six bitter months during the Civil War before reluctantly surrendering to parliamentary forces. While others embraced simpler forms of worship, he prayed here in high church splendour.
Old Blue Stockings died at the age of 80 having lived just long enough to see the restoration of the monarchy in 1660 – so perhaps his prayers were answered.
Opening times & prices
Opening times
1st September - 1st May | CLOSED |
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Visitor information
Accessible toilets
Accessible toilets available at this site for visitor use.
Baby changing
Toilets available with baby changing facilities.
Bike storage
Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.
Car park
The car park is 50 metres from the visitor centre with parking for approx. 30 cars.
There is one dedicated disabled space available
Disabled person access
Good level access from the car park to the visitor centre and chapel.
The chapel floor is level. Steps leading to the gallery.
The car park is 50 metres from the visitor centre with parking for approx. 30 cars.
There is one dedicated disabled space available
Portable hearing
A portable induction loop is available.
Toilets
Visitor toilets are available at this site.
Wheelchair available
A visitor wheelchair is available for use at this site.
Walking difficulty
Terrain: Level 1 – Accessible
Exhibition
On-site exhibition within monument.
Garden
On-site garden.
Picnic tables
Picnic benches and /or tables are available for visitor use.
Venue hire
This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.
Drone policy
Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance
No smoking
Smoking is not permitted.
School visits
To book your free self-led education visit to this site, go to our self-led education visits section.
While you're there, check out our free learning resources to help with your time travel adventure!
Health & Safety
Care and attention must be paid when visiting this monument. The grounds outside are exposed to the natural elements and maybe slippery or muddy underfoot. Appropriate footwear for the season must be considered prior to your visit.
Built historic environments are sometimes uneven underfoot with steps that are narrow, steep with varying step height. Care must be paid when accessing upper levels and mezzanine / balcony spaces.
There are often high thresholds and low door frames when passing into and through indoor spaces. We kindly ask that any handrail provided is used appropriately and there is no climbing upon or within the monument.
Guardrails have been installed to prevent access to any areas of the site that we have deemed as dangerous or to prevent falls in specific areas. Please do not climb over or through any fixed installation.
As with all ancient monuments there is always a risk of stones being dislodged in bad weather, however, we manage this through extensive monitoring.
Climbing may result in serious injury.
There are several wild plants and flowers, although these are great pollinators, they may be poisonous to visitors and animals, we strongly advise you not to touch or allow dogs to eat any vegetation.
Please watch our health & safety film before visiting Cadw sites.
Iechyd a Diogelwch / Health and Safety
Please report any anti-social behaviour such as climbing, setting fires, graffiti etc. to CadwAccidentsReports@gov.wales
The following signs can be found around the site at key areas of risk, please pay attention where appropriate.
Slippery or uneven surfaces
Steep and uneven steps
Falling masonry
Directions
Address
Corwen LL21 9BT
For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01490 412025
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.
Telephone 03000 252239
Email cadw@tfw.wales
Postcode LL21 9BT
what3words: ///jars.inherits.withdraw
For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.
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