March 2024 by Lee Dickinson
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.
March 2024 by Pete / Hel
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.
July 2023 by Andy Cas
Really informative lady gave us lots of information on the history. Thank you.Jesse Tree the highlight
May 2023 by Maureen Perkins
Very welcoming and knowledgeable volunteer guides. Former abbery church, interesting history, beautiful stained glass, numerous Medieval tombs - larger collection than most cathedrals.
April 2023 by Joseph A. Paget
Lovely clean church! Sadly always visit here for sad occasions!
April 2023 by Alison Payton
Well worth a visit - a lovely historic church, and once inside a Saxon font, a medieval bell, and alabaster tombs galore, plus really helpful volunteers. Quite beautiful ??
February 2023 by Chris Kinnersley
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!
February 2023 by Wendy Owens
Popped in her today as was killing time before a hospital appointment. What a delightful place. We were shown around by a knowledgeable gentlemen who talked about the various aspects of the churches history. Would recommend this place
January 2023 by Jennifer P
A lovely, historic building for a visit in itself. My friendly fellow parishioners and our marvelous clergy make attending worship an uplifting experience. Visitors are always made welcome.
November 2022 by Jomiya john
Beautiful church at the heart of Merthyr town. Lovely priest who puts such an effort to bring up the community together in faith and fellowship.
November 2022 by Stephen Crayden
Surprisingly interesting place to visit with medieval carvings and knights tombs. Very helpful and welcoming volunteer.
November 2022 by Patricia Moffitt
Beautiful church full of historyTwo absolutely beautiful wall hangings need another visit too much to take in
November 2022 by Christopher Chia
A beautiful church with lots of attractions. We were assisted by a volunteer who filled us in with all the church highlights. A church with lots of historic artefacts.
November 2022 by Erik van de Loo
John is a very nice and polite priest, he could tell us a lot about the history of the 1000 year old church. And need to be more attracted by the people, its worth it.
November 2022 by Jennifer Parker
Peaceful place of worship. Stop the world, step off, be mindful, and say some prayers for peace. The choir and organist are absolutely marvelous. Wonderful historic place and friendly people.
