Haverfordwest Priory facts for kids
Haverfordwest Priory (Welsh: Priordy Hwlffordd) was an old monastery in Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire, Wales. It was home to a group of monks called Augustinian Canons. They followed the rules of St. Augustine.
The priory was built next to the Western Cleddau. It was dedicated to St. Mary and St. Thomas the Martyr. The land for the priory was given by Robert fitz-Richard. He was the lord of Haverford Castle. The priory was first written about around the year 1200.
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What the Priory Owned
This priory was quite important in its time. It owned many churches and chapels nearby.
Churches and Chapels
The priory owned three churches in Haverfordwest itself. It also owned churches in other places. These included Haroldston St. Issels, Llanstadwell, and Dale. Other churches were in Lambston, Camrose, Llanwynio, and St. Ishmael’s near Milford Haven. The priory also owned the church in Reynalton. There was also a chapel called Cristiswell. It was probably located near Cresswell Quay.
The Priory's End
The priory's time came to an end in the 1500s. This was during a big change in England and Wales.
The Dissolution of Monasteries
Between 1536 and 1541, King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries. This event is known as the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Haverfordwest Priory was one of them. After it closed, the priory was taken over by Roger and Thomas Barlow. They were brothers of William Barlow. He was the bishop of St David's.
Discovering the Past
Today, the priory is a historic site. People have worked to uncover its secrets.
Excavations and Discoveries
From 1983 to 1996, archaeologists carefully dug up the site. This work was managed by Cadw. Cadw is a Welsh government group. They look after historic buildings and sites. Now, you can see the outlines of the old buildings. Many beautiful pieces of stone and architecture were found. These are now on display at the Haverfordwest museum. A very special discovery was also made. They found a unique medieval garden. It even had raised flower beds!
