Priory Castle - Ewenny - Wales, Great Britain. - Castles on Waymarking.com

Ewenny Priory Church, St Michael and All Angels. One of the most complete Norman fortified Churches in Wales. A monastery of the Benedictine order, founded in the 12th century. Ewenny Priory, located near Bridgend, South Wales.

The Normans invaded England in 1066, and made safe its borders with Wales and the Celts by building Castles, fortified Abbeys, Priory's, and Churches.

As the fortified walls are privately owned, the perimeter walls, and only become apparent from the air or satellite. Zoom in on the listing co-ordinates to understand the extent of the priory fortifications.

"The monastery was fortified and the medieval church and claustral buildings lay within a walled enclosure with towers and gatehouses in the north and south. Five towers survive.
The priory was entered through the North Gate. Two square openings in the gateway roof were for pouring molten lead or pitch on top of any invaders." text source: (visit link)


"The priory was founded in 1141 by Maurice de Londres as a cell of the Benedictine abbey of Gloucester (now the Cathedral). The site appears to have been fortified from a very early stage, though this was probably for prestige rather than pure defence. Impressive walls, with gates remodelled about 1300, can be seen today. The austere eastern arm of the priory church, including the chancel and transepts, represents some of the finest surviving Norman work in Glamorgan. The south transept houses the founder's tomb. The nave, with its massive piers, still serves as the parish church." Text Source: (visit link)

"The priory was unusual in having military-style defences and is widely regarded as one of the finest fortified religious buildings in Britain. Over the centuries the priory has sustained some damage, and following the Dissolution of the Monasteries, was, like many of its kind, converted into a private house, which is still inhabited by its current owners, the Turbervill family. The priory is not open to the public but the attached Church is still in use and restoration work has recently been carried out by Cadw." Text Source: (visit link)

Welsh Government - CADW Web Site: (visit link)

Accessibility: Partial access Condition: Partly ruined Admission Charge?: no Website: [Web Link]

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Date Logged Log User Rating   10/03/2013 veritas vita visited it