January 2007 | Tithe Barn Project, Abergavenny |
|
| St Mary’s Priory, Abergavenny, was founded by Hamelin de Ballon, the Norman overlord of Northern Gwent, in 1087, on a site just outside the walls of the ancient town of Abergavenny. Of the original building, little survives. What we have today is the magnificent Priory church. The St Mary’s Priory is recognised as a nationally important site. Its importance is emphasised by the superb series of medieval and post-medieval tombs, carefully and sensitively restored in recent years. In 1999 the Grade II listed Tithe Barn was bought back into Church ownership, firstly, to save an important part of the heritage site of St Mary’s Priory and Abergavenny; secondly, to restore the building so that it can provide a range of information about the history and heritage of the Priory and facilities to encourage, support and stimulate visitors.  Continuum is now engaged to design and fit out interpretation within the Tithe Barn to create a Heritage Interpretation Resource Centre on the first floor and a ground floor reception area accommodating a local information centre for tourists and a general historical information point about Abergavenny as well as explaining the function of the Tithe Barn in relation to St Mary’s Priory. To ensure the viability and sustainability of the project, it is intended to have a “True Taste of Wales” restaurant facility open on a daily basis. In addition, the Tithe Barn will host both community and major events such as the Abergavenny Food Festival. When the Tithe Barn is complete and operational, it will be a Heritage Learning Resource providing graduated levels of access to local and regional heritage amenities and assets, especially those within St Mary’s Priory itself. |
|
