St Illtyd's Church, Llantwit Major

St Illtyd's Church is a church complex in Llantwit Major, Vale of Glamorgan, southeast Wales. It is located at the site of the oldest college in the United Kingdom, Cor Tewdws, which was founded c. 395 AD in honour of the Roman Emperor Theodosius I. It was refounded by St. Illtud c. 508 AD, from whom it derives its name. The current church building was built in the 11th century by the Normans, with portions being rebuilt in the 13th and 15th centuries. The church building is one of the oldest and best-known parish churches in Wales. It is a grade I listed building, or building of exceptional interest, and has been called both the "Westminster Abbey of Wales" for its unique collection of carved stones and effigies, and "the most beautiful church in Wales."The parish is currently part of the Rectorial Benefice of Llantwit Major in the Diocese of Llandaff.HistoryFirst College of TheodosiusIn 380 AD, the Roman emperor Theodosius I proclaimed Christianity to be the only legitimate religion of the Roman Empire, ending imperial support for traditional polytheistic religions and customs. A college honouring him was established at this site in the c. 395 AD. According to legend, Theodosius founded the college himself, however, there is isn't any clear evidence that Theodosius was ever actually present at the site. The college was the earliest school, former or extant, in all of Great Britain, and has even been called "the oldest college in the world." It was founded during the twilight of the Roman occupation of Britain, and after the withdrawal of the Roman legions c. 409 – 410 AD, Britain was raided by the Irish, Scots, and Picts, who sacked villages and monasteries, and carried off the inhabitants as slaves. The College of Theodosius was reputedly burnt to the ground by Irish pirates in 446 AD, and was abandoned.