Llanthony Priory, Abergavenny (South Wales)

Priory of Augustinian canons founded early in the twelfth century.

Summary 13th century buildings (or older)

Introduction

Priory of Augustinian canons founded early in the twelfth century in the beautiful and secluded Ewyas valley.  

History to the present day

Llanthony Priory originated with the settlement of two hermits, William de Lacy and Ernisius. Gathering a band of followers around them, they built a church which was consecrated in 1108; ten years later it was established as a house of Augustinian canons.

The Augustinians, popularly known as Black Canons from the colour of their outer garment, were organized on monastic lines but, unlike monks, were all ordained priests, going out to preach and hold service in churches nearby.

During a period of disturbance in the 1130s the canons sought refuge in Gloucester where a second priory, Llanthony Secunda, was founded. Gradually this gained in importance and eventually came to overshadow the mother house.

Meanwhile, more settled conditions and increased income from grants of land enabled a start to be made on replacing the priory buildings here. The church came first, dating mainly from 1180–1220. Buildings around the cloister followed in the mid-thirteenth century including the chapter house, where the canons held their daily meeting, and their dining hall. The prior's lodging was in the west range, where the hotel is now.

At the dissolution of the monasteries, Llanthony Priory was surrendered in 1538. David, the last prior, and four remaining canons received pensions. Parts of the ruins collapsed in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth centuries, but what remains has now been conserved to prevent further loss. 

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Llanthony Priory, Abergavenny, South Wales, , United Kingdom

Opening times: 

 

Open site all year round.

 

Open sites are unstaffed and open to the public with no admission charge at all reasonable times, usually between 10.00 and 16.00 daily.

 

 

 

Photographs courtesy of CADW photographic library.