St Dochdwy

The church stands on a hill which overlooks the River Thaw and is dedicated to St Dochdwy, indicating that a pre-Norman church probably existed here. The current structure is medieval and was heavily restored in the 19th century, some interesting features have survived from the medieval period.

The beams in the roof of the 14th century porch contain some medieval carvings, notably a head of Christ. The plain octagonal font and holy water stoup can be found in the south wall of the nave immediately adjacent to the main door. 

One significant memorial is the monumental brass (measuring 87cmx41cm) adjacent to the altar, which commemorates Wenllian Walsche (wife of Walter Moreton Constable, Cardiff Castle), who died on Christmas Day 1427. The Walsche family were lords of the manor of Llandough from the 13th century to the 15th century and are presumed to have built the first castle near the church.

The two bells hanging in the exterior bell cote have been identified as the work of Thomas Revel, an itinerant bell founder who was working in the 1350s and are among the earliest in the diocese.

On the south wall of the nave is a memorial to three members of the Basset family who died within weeks of each other in spring 1713. There are also memorials to the Lynch Blosse, Morgan and Stacey families, all former tenants of Llandough Castle in the 19th century. In 1898 Llandough village saw the first visit of composer and musician Gabriel Fauré who attended a function in Llandough Castle at the rear of the church. This was the first of many visits and in 1911 Fauré became the first honorary freeman of Cowbridge Borough.