Haverfordwest Priory
Haverfordwest Priory was an Augustinian priory located on the banks of the Western Cleddau in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales. Founded around 1200, it was dedicated to St. Mary and St. Thomas the Martyr. Despite challenges with its construction on marshy ground, the priory operated for centuries, owning several churches and chapels. Following its dissolution in the 16th century, much of the site was ruined, though excavations have revealed significant architectural material and a unique medieval garden.
Key Facts
- ›Founded around 1200 by Augustinian Canons Regular.
- ›Dedicated to St. Mary and St. Thomas the Martyr.
- ›Suffered from poor foundation leading to slow subsidence.
- ›Owned at least ten churches and one chapel at its height.
- ›Dissolved during Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries.
- ›Excavations have uncovered architectural fragments and a medieval garden.
Medieval Garden With Raised Beds, Herb Garden
Priordy Hwlffordd
Robert Fitztancred, Tancred, Robert Fitz-Richard, William Barlow, Anne Boleyn, Roger Barlow, Thomas Barlow
Founding of the Priory, Dissolution of the Monasteries, Excavations, Archaeological Excavation
About Haverfordwest Priory
Haverfordwest Priory, known in Welsh as Priordy Hwlffordd, was a monastic institution of Augustinian Canons Regular situated on the banks of the Western Cleddau in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales. Founded around 1200, the priory was dedicated to St. Mary and St. Thomas the Martyr. Its construction involved significant earthworks to create a flat site on marshy ground, which unfortunately led to persistent issues with subsidence and water drainage.
History and Operation
Prior to its construction, lands for the priory were donated by Robert FitzTancred, the castellan of Haverford Castle. At its operational height, Haverfordwest Priory owned numerous ecclesiastical properties, including at least ten churches in the surrounding area and a chapel named Cristiswell. The priory faced dissolution during Henry VIII's widespread suppression of monasteries between 1536 and 1541. Following the dissolution, much of the priory's stone was removed, leaving the remains of the church as the primary ruin.
Excavation and Surviving Features
Extensive excavation efforts took place at the site between 1983 and 1996, revealing the outlines of the priory's buildings and yielding significant architectural materials. These discoveries are now housed in Haverfordwest museum. A particularly notable find was a unique medieval garden with raised beds, which is listed at Grade I on the Cadw/ICOMOS Register of Parks and Gardens of Special Historic Interest in Wales. This herb garden is considered the only surviving monastic garden of its kind in Wales and has been renovated. More recent archaeological work in 2022 identified a gravesite containing 240 burials at the location of a former department store on the priory's former grounds.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Haverfordwest Priory founded?
Haverfordwest Priory was founded around the year 1200. This places its establishment in the early 13th century.
What religious order was Haverfordwest Priory part of?
The priory was a house of Augustinian Canons Regular. This order followed the Rule of Saint Augustine.
What happened to Haverfordwest Priory after its dissolution?
Following its dissolution during Henry VIII's reign, much of the priory site was robbed of its stone, leaving the Priory church as the main ruin. Later excavations have revealed more about its past.
Are there any notable surviving features of Haverfordwest Priory?
Yes, the original herb garden is noted as the only surviving monastic garden of its kind in Wales. It has been renovated and replanted with plants used during the monastic period.
What has been discovered during excavations at Haverfordwest Priory?
Excavations have unearthed much architectural material of a high standard, which can be seen in Haverfordwest museum. A unique medieval garden with raised beds was also discovered, and a gravesite containing 240 burials was identified.
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