Ewenny Priory

Heritage Site in Glamorgan

Wales

Ewenny Priory

Kissing gate on a public footpath north east of Corntown A public footpath here passes from a road at a golf complex onto a farm field which is part of the Ewenny Priory Estate. The path lies on the Bridgend Circular Walk. — Kissing gate on a public footpath north east of Corntown Credit: eswales

Ewenny Priory, located in the county of Glamorgan, Wales, is a historic and picturesque heritage site that holds significant religious and architectural importance. Dating back to the 12th century, this Benedictine priory is nestled within a charming countryside setting, just a few miles away from the town of Bridgend.

The priory was founded by Maurice de Londres, a Norman knight, around 1141. It was established as a daughter house of the Abbey of St. Peter in Gloucester, and its primary purpose was to provide religious services, including prayers and masses, for the local population. Ewenny Priory quickly gained prominence and became one of the most important religious institutions in the region.

The architectural style of Ewenny Priory is predominantly Norman, with additions and modifications made during the subsequent centuries. The priory features a cruciform layout, with a central tower and transepts. The intricate carvings on the arches and columns are particularly noteworthy, showcasing the skilled craftsmanship of the period.

Within the priory, visitors can explore the various chapels, including the St. Michael's Chapel, which houses a striking 15th-century rood screen. The priory also boasts a well-preserved cloister, where the monks would have once conducted their daily activities.

Today, Ewenny Priory remains an active place of worship, with regular services held in its beautiful medieval church. It is also open to visitors who can explore its rich history, admire its remarkable architecture, and enjoy the tranquil surroundings.

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Ewenny Priory Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 51.4888/-3.5676 or Grid Reference SS9177. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Kissing gate on a public footpath north east of Corntown

A public footpath here passes from a road at a golf complex onto a farm field which is part of the Ewenny Priory Estate. The path lies on the Bridgend Circular Walk.

eswales

Public footpath east of Corntown (2)

A public footpath on the Bridgend Circular Walk runs alongside much of the line of hedge seen in the foreground before passing through a kissing gate in it onto a road at a golf complex. The kissing gate is seen in SS9277 : Kissing gate on a public footpath north east of Corntown. The farmland here is part of the Ewenny Priory Estate.

eswales

The Ewenny River/Afon Ewenni between Waterton and Ewenny Priory

Viewed from one of the spots beside the river which it’s possible to get down to from the public footpath which runs towards the priory from the A48. The riverside path seen in the image is not the public footpath, which is set back from the river here and for much of its length.

eswales

Course of public footpath at a playing field in Corntown

OpenStreetMap shows a public footpath running along the field edge seen here. On Ordnance Survey maps, by contrast, it is shown cutting across the middle of the field. It seems possible that whereas the latter may be the ‘official’ route, the former is the one that tends to be followed in practice. Taking the route along the field edge would certainly seem to be less likely to cause disruption when sports are being played, and so will probably occur at least some of the time. The green and white building seen is Corntown Sports Pavilion. This is used by Vale United FC which plays its home games on the field here.

eswales

Ewenny in winter (2)

Looking over farmland towards Corntown Road from the side of Abbey Road.

eswales

Public footpath towards Ewenny Priory by Waterton

Shortly after its start on the A48 a public footpath passes between a river monitoring station and a fence above the Ewenny River.

eswales

Cast iron milepost near Bridgend

Located on what was once the main (Roman) road running roughly east to west across South Wales, passing through Newport, Cardiff, Cowbridge, Bridgend, Port Talbot, Neath and Carmarthen. The milepost is Grade II listed.

Alan Hughes

Ewenny Moor

An area of low lying land alongside the Ewenny River.

Alan Hughes

The Ewenny River by Waterton

A view downstream at a point where the river passes a monitoring station – see SS9178 : Public footpath towards Ewenny Priory by Waterton. Steps and cables, which will play a part in the monitoring of the river, can be seen on the concrete slope.

eswales

A very large field on the Ewenny Priory Estate

Aerial photography online shows the field being used for the growing of cereals. The northern part of the field, not seen here, is shown in SS9177 : Farmland and track on the Ewenny Priory Estate. The trees closest to the camera – in the left half of the image – are seen closer up in SS9177 : An island of trees east of Ewenny Priory.

eswales

THE NATIONAL LOTTERY- PLAY NOW, Brackla Street, Bridgend

Sign on the pavement outside Wilko in April 2021.

Jaggery

Kings Head, Bridgend

Pub at 44 Nolton Street viewed from Brackla Street in April 2021.

Jaggery

The Kakadu Plum, Bridgend

Health food store at 40 Nolton Street. The shop's website records that the kakadu plum (grown in the Northern Territory of Australia) has the highest concentration of natural Vitamin C of any food.

Jaggery