Visit to Llantwit Major and Ewenny Priory
On Wednesday 9th August 2023, members of Llanelli Community Heritage toured the medieval churches at Llantwit Major and Ewenny Priory accompanied by Joseff Smith, a keen student of the period.
We first visited Llantwit Major, once an early medieval monastery established in the fifth century. The church retains many impressive features, including early medieval carved stone crosses, the thirteenth century Jesse niche, and some lovely fifteenth century wall paintings.
Having stopped for refreshments at West Farm in Southern Down, our next visit was Ewenny Priory. We learned why the impressive medieval fortifications may have been built, and saw some more medieval wall paintings, medieval tiles, and a medieval altar.
We capped off the day by visiting Ewenny Pottery, the oldest established potters workshop in Wales believed to have been active since at least 1610. Altogether an excellent summer's day excursion to which Joseff's historical knowledge made a valuable contribution.
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