St Mary's Priory
St Mary's Priory things to do, attractions, restaurants, events info and trip planning
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The church has loads of history to it, only popped in as was in the area, and didn't know about the history of it, found this on the web, St. Mary's has been called "the Westminster Abbey of Wales" because of its large size, and the numerous high status tomb monuments and medieval effigies surviving within it. The church was designated as a Grade I listed building on 1 July 1952. The church has a notable collection of memorial effigies. The effigies are in wood, alabaster and marble and range in date from the 13th century to the 17th century. One effigy is that of John de Hastings, Lord of Abergavenny (died 1324) and shows him as a young knight, wearing a long surcoat over a hauberk and a hood of fine chainmail. The Jesse is an elaborate, very large, 15th-century wooden carving which would have once been part of an even larger carving forming a Jesse Tree telling the lineage of Jesus Christ based on that in the Bible. It is unique in Britain and described by Tate Britain as one of the finest medieval sculptures in the world. The art historian Andrew Graham-Dixon called it the one “unarguably great wooden figure” remaining from the Middle Ages. Although the Norman building was built around 1070, a previous Iron Age, Roman or Post-Roman structure existed on the site. Archaeological surveys have found significant finds of Samian ware pottery, and a church named "The church of the Holy Rood" is known to have existed in the town, but its exact location is not known. As all churches should be, it's free, definitely worth a visit if you like history.
Pete / HelPete / Hel
10
Well, this is stunning! One of the most important collection of tombs anywhere in Britain, I'd say, with information on their history and origins over the centuries. This is a great effort to make the history of these amazing but long dead people, celebrated for their achievements in so many ways, both then and now, accessible to current day churchgoers and tomb-enthusiasts. Our visit was a real delight, a real pleasure, all the better because this is a very holy place too - sanctified by the prayers of the faithful for centuries. A visit is highly recommended.
Rod BRod B
00
I visited St. Mary's Priory to learn more about the history of the building, admire the architecture, and other historical artifacts. Upon arrival I was greeted by a elderly lady who was very kind and helpful. She handed me a leaflet, which gave a brief description of all the artifacts and the history of the church, and advised me on which way to route to follow around the site. I thoroughly enjoyed my visit.
Lee DickinsonLee Dickinson
00
The beautiful St. Mary's Parish Church at St Mary's Priory, Abergavenny, known as the 'Westminster Abbey' of Wales, dates from 11thC. The church houses numerous high status tombs and medieval effigies including 'Jesse', a large 15thC wooden carving described by one art historian as "the finest piece of medieval sculpture in Western Europe"! Don't miss it!
Chris KinnersleyChris Kinnersley
30
Beautiful mediaeval priory church near centre of Abergavenny. Great venue for concerts etc. Adjacent tithe barn and other facilities for ancillary activities. Bees swarming on sunlit warm wall in courtyard when we visited.
Douglas MackayDouglas Mackay
00
Lovely welcome by a steward who offered a leaflet about the priory gave a short introduction and left to give us space to walk around. Excellent e exhibition on by a local artist Jeremy Thomas. Worth visiting.
Amanda BerryAmanda Berry
00
Nearby Attractions Of St Mary's Priory
Abergavenny Market
Abergavenny Museum
Linda Vista Gardens
Abergavenny Bridge

Abergavenny Market
4.4
(1.5K)Click for details

Abergavenny Museum
4.4
(447)Click for details

Linda Vista Gardens
4.7
(174)Click for details

Abergavenny Bridge
4.6
(11)Click for details
Nearby Restaurants Of St Mary's Priory
The Coliseum - JD Wetherspoon
Casa Bianca
The Grofield Inn
Portico Lounge
Anatolian Restaurant
Hen & Chicken
Gurkha Corner Restaurant
Cwtch Cafe
Nicholls Botanical Cafe
Luigis

The Coliseum - JD Wetherspoon
3.9
(806)Click for details

Casa Bianca
4.7
(800)Click for details

The Grofield Inn
4.7
(445)Click for details

Portico Lounge
4.4
(463)Click for details
Basic Info
Address
5 Monk St, Abergavenny NP7 5ND, United Kingdom
Map
Phone
+44 1873 858787
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Website
stmarys-priory.org
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Reviews
Overview
4.6
(156 reviews)
Ratings & Description
cultural
family-friendly
accessibility
attractions: Abergavenny Market, Abergavenny Museum, Linda Vista Gardens, Abergavenny Bridge, restaurants: The Coliseum - JD Wetherspoon, Casa Bianca, The Grofield Inn, Portico Lounge, Anatolian Restaurant, Hen & Chicken, Gurkha Corner Restaurant, Cwtch Cafe, Nicholls Botanical Cafe, Luigis
