Carmarthen Priory was founded by Bishop Bernard of St David's (1115-48) and replaced a Benedictine community who had occupied the site for only a few years. The site however, had a longer history of religious occupation for it was originally the ancient 'clas' church of Llandeulyddog, which may have had its origins in the sixth century. show details of standing remains
Standing remains
Little now survives of the former priory above ground. All that is visible is part of the precinct wall which stands on the north side of the park, and also the gatehouse that has been converted into four modern houses but retains its arched entrance. Excavations in 1979, in the south-west corner of the park, revealed parts of the footings in the church, chapter-house and prior's lodgings, and uncovered glazed tiles and stained glass dating from the later Middle Ages.
Dedicated to: St John the Evangelist; St Theulac (Teulyddog) Medieval Diocese: St David's Affiliated to: Llanthony I (founding community?) Lordship at foundation: Carmarthen Access: Public Access - Parc Hinds recreational grounds in the area now known as Parc Hinds Owned by: Scant remains
Main events in the history of this site
pre 1127: Foundation - The site had a long history of religious occupation. [1 source] 1208: Attempted takeover - William de Londres and the canons of Llanthony Secunda (Glos) seemingly sought to take over Carmarthen Priory although they were later removed. [2 sources] c.1250: Source compiled - The Black Book of Carmarthen was likely written or copied at the priory. [1 source][1 archive] c.1291: Wealth - The Taxatio Ecclesiastica assessed the priory's net income at £13 6s 2d. [1 source] 1377: Clerical poll tax - The prior and five canons [JOHN VEEL, WILLIAM FRANC', GUY WILD, WALTER TAYM (CAYM), JOHN ROBBERT] were each to pay a tax of 12d. [1 source][1 archive] 1379: Clerical poll tax - Monies required from the community. [1 source][1 archive] 1403: Destruction - The house was looted and despoiled during the Owain Glyn Dŵr rebellion. [1 source] 1421 (April): Royal custody - Henry V placed the priory in the hands of adminstrators. [1 source] 1424: Protection - Protection was granted to the priory which had suffered from the mismanagement of its prior. [1 source] 1534 (July): Act of Supremacy - Prior Griffin William(s) acknowledged the Act of Supremacy. [3 sources] c.1535: Wealth - The Valor Ecclesiasticus estimated the priory's net income as £91 6s 3d. [2 sources] 1536: Numbers - At this time there were twelve canons. [1 source] 1537: Dissolution - The priory was suppressed on the 17 February 1537, under the 1536 Act of Suppression. [2 sources] + 11 minor events.Show minor events
Austin, David, and Stöber, Karen, 'Culdees to Canons: the Augustinian houses', in Monastic Wales: New Approaches, ed. Janet Burton and Karen Stöber (University of Wales: 2013), pp. 39-54
Stöber, Karen, 'The Regular Canons in Wales', in The Regular Canons in the Medieval British Isles, Medieval Church Studies, 19 (Brepols: Turnhout, 2011), pp. 97-113
