Celebration of Diversity: The Ladies of Llangollen – LGBT History Month

A special service celebrating diversity and the legendary Ladies of Llangollen will take place at St Collen’s Church, Llangollen, North Wales on Saturday 22nd February at 4pm.

The service is timely following a recent reported issued by the bishops of the Church of England on same-sex marriages. This report has hurt, disappointed and discouraged many LGBT Christians.

Although St Collen’s comes under the Church in Wales, this service will send out a powerful message of inclusion, hope and welcome to all LGBT people across the land.

Llangollen (and St Collen’s church especially) is a fitting place to celebrate diversity and inclusion for two good reasons:

1. Because the famous Ladies of Llangollen, Eleanor Butler & Sarah Ponsonby, made their home here in 1778 When they eloped together.

They attended services here and are buried together (with their maid) in our churchyard and we have a monument to them inside the church.

These aristocratic ladies have drawn people into Llangollen ever since. Many gay people visit their historic home (Plas Newydd) and our church throughout the year. Ann Lister (‘Gentlemen Jack’) also visited the Ladies here in Llangollen.

During the service we will bless the tomb of the ladies giving thanks for their courage.

2. Llangollen has always had a reputation for being diverse and inclusive. Because of the international Eistedfodd, it has become known as the place where Wales welcomes the world.