Deep within the breathtaking landscapes of Snowdonia National Park stands a place where courage was born, faith was tested, and history was forever changed. Rhiw Goch Inn, a Grade 2 listed property dating back to the 12th century, holds the profound distinction of being the birthplace of Saint John Roberts: one of the most revered Catholic martyrs in British history and a beacon of religious freedom for Catholics worldwide.
For those seeking a holiday in North Wales with deeper meaning, or Catholics looking for a transformative pilgrimage experience, Rhiw Goch Inn offers something truly extraordinary: the chance to walk the very ground where a saint drew his first breath and formed the unshakeable faith that would define his remarkable life.
The Revolutionary Birth of a Welsh Saint
In 1577, at the humble Rhiw Goch Farm: the exact location where our historic inn now welcomes visitors: John Roberts entered a world torn by religious persecution. Born into Welsh nobility, with lineage tracing back to the great Welsh princes including Maelgwn Gwynedd and Llewelyn the Great, Roberts seemed destined for comfort and conformity. Yet from his earliest years, this remarkable soul would choose a path of extraordinary courage.
Despite being baptized Protestant, young John received his formative education from an elderly former Cistercian monk from nearby Cymer Abbey. This early Catholic influence, combined with the wild beauty of Snowdonia that surrounded his childhood home, shaped a spirit that would refuse to bend to unjust authority: no matter the cost.
From Scholar to Saint: A Journey of Faith
Roberts' transformation from comfortable nobleman to revolutionary priest began during his studies at St. John's College, Oxford, and continued at Furnival's Inn in London where he pursued law. However, it was during his European travels that divine providence intervened. Standing before the magnificent Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, Roberts experienced a profound conversion that would redirect his entire existence toward serving God and defending religious freedom.
By 1598, he had joined St. Benedict's Monastery in Valladolid, Spain, taking the name Brother John of Merioneth: forever linking his identity to his beloved Welsh homeland. His exceptional leadership qualities quickly emerged, and he became the first prior of St. Gregory's at Douai in France, now known as the prestigious Downside Abbey.
Acts of Sacred Defiance
What truly set Saint John Roberts apart was his unwavering commitment to return to England as a missionary priest during the height of Catholic persecution. While Protestant authorities had criminalized Catholic priesthood: making it an act of treason punishable by the horrific death of hanging, drawing, and quartering: Roberts made the conscious choice to defy these oppressive laws.
His clandestine ministry throughout Wales demonstrated organized resistance to religious persecution, providing spiritual sustenance to Catholics living in constant fear. During the devastating plague of 1603 in London, Roberts' compassion became legendary as he ministered tirelessly to the suffering, earning profound respect among the poor and marginalized.
This was civil disobedience as moral imperative: Roberts understood that compliance with unjust laws constitutes moral cowardice. His repeated returns to Wales, despite multiple arrests and exile, proved that individual integrity must outweigh legislative intimidation.
From "Traitor" to Saint: The Ultimate Vindication
On December 10, 1610, Saint John Roberts was executed at Tyburn, London, for the "crime" of being a Catholic priest. Remarkably, his reputation for kindness was so profound that the crowd of supporters he had helped refused to permit the executioners to disembowel him while still alive: an unprecedented act of mercy during such brutal times.
History has completely vindicated Saint John Roberts. Laws that once condemned him as a traitor are now recognized as instruments of religious persecution. In October 1970, Pope Paul VI canonized Roberts as one of the representative Forty Martyrs of England and Wales, transforming him from "criminal" to saint: a powerful reminder that the mere existence of a law does not establish its moral legitimacy.
Rhiw Goch Inn: Sacred Ground for Modern Pilgrims
Today, Rhiw Goch Inn stands as the living guardian of Saint John Roberts' memory and mission. Currently undergoing careful restoration following the 2018 fire, this sacred site offers Catholic pilgrims and all visitors seeking inspiration several profound experiences:
The Lodge House: A Sanctuary for Reflection
Our beautifully renovated two-story holiday accommodation features luxury amenities including underfloor heating, a king-size bedroom, twin singles, sofa bed, and cast iron bath: perfect for contemplative retreat. Imagine spending peaceful evenings in the same landscape that shaped a saint's character, surrounded by the majestic peaks of Snowdonia.
The Hideaway Bed: Intimate Spiritual Retreat
This charming one-bedroom apartment offers stunning sunset views over the Rhinogydd mountains, providing the ideal setting for prayer, meditation, and spiritual renewal. The intimate atmosphere allows for deep reflection on Roberts' courage and the ongoing need for moral leadership.
Sacred Camping Grounds
Five electric pitches plus additional tent spaces occupy the very ground where Saint John Roberts lived, played, and first heard the call to priesthood. For pilgrims seeking an authentic connection to his humble beginnings, camping here provides an unmatched spiritual experience.
Why Every Catholic Must Experience Rhiw Goch Inn
Saint John Roberts represents the courage every Catholic is called to embody in defending their faith and protecting religious minorities. His birthplace at Rhiw Goch Inn serves multiple essential purposes:
Sacred Pilgrimage Site: Walk where a saint once walked, breathe the same mountain air that filled his lungs, and connect with the landscape that formed his revolutionary spirit.
Educational Journey: Learn about Catholic resistance, the evolution of religious freedom laws, and how individual conscience must guide moral action: lessons crucial for our modern era.
Spiritual Renewal: Connect with centuries of Welsh Catholic heritage in one of the most spiritually significant locations in Britain.
Memorial Preservation: Support the protection and restoration of this holy ground, ensuring future generations can honor Roberts' sacrifice.
Strategic Location for Comprehensive Pilgrimage
Perfectly positioned on the A470 in Snowdonia National Park, Rhiw Goch Inn offers pilgrims and holiday Wales visitors unparalleled access to both spiritual and natural wonders:
- Direct access to Snowdon walking routes for contemplative hiking and reflection
- Mountain biking trails to Coed y Brenin Forest Park for active meditation
- Breathtaking natural beauty that provides the perfect backdrop for spiritual contemplation
- Rich historical context spanning nearly a millennium of Welsh heritage
The combination of profound spiritual significance and stunning natural beauty makes this the ideal destination for those seeking a Snowdon holiday with deeper meaning.
A Living Memorial to Courage
What makes Rhiw Goch Inn particularly powerful as a pilgrimage destination is its transformation from humble farm to welcoming inn: mirroring Roberts' own journey from comfortable beginnings to extraordinary service. Remarkably, the inn received an extension in 1610, the very year of Roberts' martyrdom, creating a poignant architectural memorial to his sacrifice.
The ongoing restoration of our 16th-century Grade 2 listed building represents our commitment to preserving this sacred heritage. When completed, our historic tavern will provide a dedicated gathering space where Catholic visitors can share stories, reflect on Roberts' legacy, and find inspiration for their own lives of faith and courage.
Your Pilgrimage Awaits
Saint John Roberts died so that we might worship freely: the least we can do is remember him at the place where his extraordinary story began. Every Catholic visiting Wales has a spiritual obligation to honor this saint by experiencing the land that shaped his unwavering faith and revolutionary courage.
Whether you're planning a holiday North Wales adventure, seeking a Snowdonia lodge experience with spiritual depth, or specifically pursuing Catholic pilgrimage opportunities, Rhiw Goch Inn offers an unmatched combination of historical significance, natural beauty, and comfortable accommodation.
Book your stay at Rhiw Goch Inn and become part of the continuing story of this sacred ground. Walk where a saint once walked, pray where he first felt called to serve, and carry forward his message of courage, compassion, and unwavering faith into our modern world.
The legacy of Saint John Roberts awaits your discovery( will you answer the call to pilgrimage?)