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Overview

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.

More about Rug Chapel


Opening times


Facilities

Accessible toilets icon Baby changing icon Bike storage icon Car park icon Disabled person access icon Exhibition icon Garden icon Gift shop icon Guidebook icon Drone policy icon No smoking icon Picnic tables icon Portable hearing icon School visits icon Toilets icon Venue hire icon Wheelchair available icon

Accessible toilets available at this site for visitor use.

Toilets available with baby changing facilities.

Bike storage area available in car park or close to the monument.

The car park is 50 metres from the visitor centre with parking for approx. 30 cars.

There is one dedicated disabled space available

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

On-site exhibition within monument.

On-site garden.

Gift shop at this site offering a range of products and guidebooks.

Site guidebook available to purchase online and in selected visitor centres.

Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance

Smoking is not permitted.

Picnic benches and /or tables are available for visitor use.

 

A portable induction loop is available.

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!

 

Visitor toilets are available at this site.

This site is available to hire for events, filming and exhibitions.

A visitor wheelchair is available for use at this site.


Directions

Road
Rug Chapel: Off A494 2km/1.2mls N. West of Corwen. Llangar Old Church: Follow A5 north-west towards B4401. 2km/1.2mls S. West of Corwen. The church is a walk of 300m/ 330 yards off the B4401.
Rail
Rug Chapel/Llangar Old Church: Wrexham 35km/22mls Chester - Shrewsbury line.
Bus
Rug Chapel: Adjacent, route No 94, Wrexham - Barmouth. Llangar Old Parish Church: 2km/1.2mls, service 94 Wrexham - Dolgellau - Barmouth.

Postcode LL21 9BT.

For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0871 200 2233 or National Rail Enquiries on 08457 48 49 50.


Contact us

Telephone 03000 252239

Email
Cadw@gov.wales

Address
Rug Chapel,
Corwen LL21 9BT

For contractors, educational visits and deliveries please ring 01490 412025
Rydym yn croesawu galwadau’n Gymraeg / We welcome calls in Welsh.