The exact date of the foundation of the friary is not known but it had been established by 1284. Owen Glyn D?r allegedly had a fondness for the Franciscans and spared the house in 1404 when he burned the town and castle. In the late sixteenth century the friary ruins were purchased by the Herbert family who built a mansion house on the site ('Greyfriars House'). Excavations produced a ground plan of the friary. show details of standing remains
Standing remains
The Franciscan friary stood in the area between Queen Street and Cathay's Park. Excavations in the late nineteenth century uncovered the foundations of the friary although this process was hampered by the presence of a mansion house that was built on the site following the Dissolution. At the time of the Suppression the priory church was aisled, having five or six bays and a steeple at the east end of the nave. An inventory made at the time of the dissolution of the house reveals that an alabaster table monument stood before the High Altar and was covered with cloths and two pairs of candlesticks. A pair of organs was in the choir and five alabaster tables in the nave. The north door of the church led to the friary's domestic buildings. Dissolution documents mention a hall (refectory) with adjoining kitchen and a new chamber (dormitory). It seems that the entire precinct was enclosed by a wall and entered via a gateway built in the late 13th / early 14th century.
Capital Tower now occupies the site of the former friary.
Medieval Diocese: Llandaff Lordship at foundation: Glamorgan Access: No remains
Main events in the history of this site
pre 1284: Foundation - The Franciscan friary had been established in Cardiff by 1284. [1 source] 1318: Burial - Llywelyn Bren and William Fleming were both buried in the church of the Grey Friars at Cardiff following their executions. [1 source] 1531: Bequest - Sir Matthew Cradock bequeathed twelve kine (cows) to the Franciscans of Cardiff in a codical to his will dated June 1531. However he stipulated that the friars should not sell these animals but keep them for their own use. [2 sources] 1538: Dissolution - On 6th September Dr Richard Ingworth arrived at Cardiff Friary to secure its surrender. [3 sources][1 archive] + 2 minor events.Show minor events
