The Norman parish church of St. Brides-super-Ely was built in the early part of the 13^th century and has been in continuous use since that time.  During the medieval period, churches were dedicated to a specific saint.  The parish church of St. Bride's-super-Ely was consecrated to St. Bridget of Kildare, Ireland.  A separate section of this Web site contains information about the patron saint.  Noted authority Emrys Bowen wrote that churches were usually dedicated to a saint, or one of his/her followers, who had visited the location and established a religious community.  Although St. Bridget was known for her travels throughout Britain and her propensity for starting churches, there is no indication that she visited this Parish.

Some historians believe that St. Bride's-super-Ely is the location of one of the earliest Christian settlements in Glamorgan.  This is possible, since the yew tree in the churchyard is believed to be older than the church and the largest in South Wales.  It sits on a mound that local residents believe marks the remains of a Druid worship site.  Yew trees are important in pagan Celtic symbolism.  Early Christian missionaries often utilized established sites with religious significance as locations for their churches and communities.  There are paving stones set into the ground around the base of the tree, although their date is not known.  The site is unexcavated, so it is still a mystery.

The church was valued at £2 in 1254 (Taxation of Norwich).  In 1291, it may well have been one of the unnamed chapels of Peterston, which, at that date, was valued at £3-19s-0d (Taxatio Ecclesiastica).  St. Bride's patron was resident in 1563.

Over the years, St. Bride's has been frequently linked with the neighbouring parishes of Michaelston-super-Ely and St. George's.  In 1771, the living was included with the Rectories of Michaelston-super-Ely and St. George's in the same valuation, namely £130; the incumbent was the Reverend William Llewellin, and the patron was John Llewellin, Gent. (Bishop Barrington's Llandaff Diocesan Book).

In 1785, the Reverend Morgan Deere was rector of St. Bride's, Michaelston-super-Ely, and St. George's.  In 1835, St. Bride's Rectory was coupled with the Rectory of Michaelston-super-Ely in the same valuation, namely £95 gross, and Llewellyn Traherne was patron of both livings.  In 1950, the Reverend Harold George Rew became rector of St. Bride's and St. George's.  In 1970, St. Bride's was linked with Peterston-super-Ely to form one benefice, and it remains thus to the present day.  The Reverend Roger Young was vicar in 2000.