How to contact us
By post: St Mary’s Priory Church Vicarage, Monk Street, Abergavenny, NP7 5ND
By telephone: 01873 853168
By email: mailto: priory.church@virgin.net
or for the Tithe Barn, Priory Centre or organised church visits:
Richard Morgan
01873 858787
The Parish
St Mary's Priory Church serves as a parish church for the town and community of Abergavenny and encompasses a significant part of the rural Coldbrook estate, stretching from the ancient Llanellen Bridge, to the south, to the top of the Sugar Loaf mountain.
There is a daughter church, Christchurch, in North Street, serving the western parts of the parish. This was built in the latter half of the 18th Century with the generosity of the Nevill Family, the Marquesses of Abergavenny, who once lived at Nevill Hall, now the district hospital.
Christchurch was built as an iron church, and was then wood-clad. It has a belfry and spire and has been carefully restored in recent years.
St Mary's Priory Church, Abergavenny is one of several ancient Benedictine foundations in the Diocese.
At the foundation of the new diocese some thought was given to St Mary's Priory Church becoming the Cathedral Church, with the attraction of a fine Priory house (demolished c.1952), adjoining land and facilities.
When can I visit the church?
You can, of course, visit the church for any one of our services, which are held every day – please see the Services Calendar.
The church is open every day for visitors to view our fine monuments or sit in quiet contemplation.
Opening times are Monday to Saturday 11am to 3pm and Sunday 2pm to 4pm.
There is no charge, although St Mary’s does cost £400 per day to run so any voluntary contribution would be very gratefully received.
You can also bring a group to visit St Mary’s, please us on priory.church@virgin.net
The Church in Wales
In 1919 the Church of England was disestablished in Wales, partly to assert national identity. It was replaced the following year by the Church in Wales, which is both independent of the state and an independent member of the Anglican Communion.
The Church in Wales is split into six dioceses – Llandaff,, St David’s, Bangor, St Asaph, Swansea and Brecon, and Monmouth. The Archbishop is the Most Reverend Barry Morgan.
More info: www.churchinwales.org.uk
The Diocese of Monmouth
The Diocese of Monmouth covers the south east corner of Wales, from Monmouth south to Chepstow, westwards along the M4 corridor to Newport and the outskirts of Cardiff, northwards into the south eastern valleys and east into the rural areas around Usk, Raglan, Abergavenny, and the Herefordshire border – what was, in fact, the ancient county of Monmouth.
It is made up of two geographical archdeaconeries – Monmouth and Newport - and a number of Rural Deaneries, including Abergavenny.
More info: www.churchinwales.org.uk/monmouth/
Bishop Dominic Walker
on a Jesus boat in Galilee
Bishop of Monmouth
Bishop Dominic Walker
on a Jesus boat in Galilee
The Right Reverend Dominic (Edward William Murray) Walker OGS
Born 1948, AKC 1973 Heythrop College London M.A. 1997 Brighton University Hon Dlitt 1998. Deacon 1972; Priest 1972; Consecrated 1997. Community of the Glorious Ascension 1967-83; Curate Wandsworth St Faith, Southwark 1972-73; Bishop’s Domestic Chaplain 1973-76; Rector Newington St Mary 1976-85; Rural Dean Southwark & Newington 1980-85; Oratory of the Good Shepherd from 1983, Superior 1990-96; Vicar Brighton St Peter w Chapel Royal and St John’s Chichester 1985-86; Priest-in-Charge Brighton St Nicholas 1985-86; Team Rector Brighton St Peter and St Nicholas w Chapel Royal 1986-97; Rural Dean Brighton 1985-97; Canon & Prebendary Chichester Cathedral 1985-97; Area Bishop Reading Oxford 1997-2003.
Consecrated 1st May 1997 at Southwark Cathedral. Elected Bishop of Monmouth; December 10, 2002, at Newport Cathedral. Enthroned at Newport Cathedral March 29, 2003.
Newport Cathedral
Newport Cathedral
The Cathedral church of the Diocese of Monmouth is in Newport, the main centre of population for the area. It is one of the most ancient buildings in Wales, with a history stretching back into early Celtic history. Its fine Galilee Chapel and stunning Romanesque Nave lead on to a 20th century choir and sanctuary. This is a fine rose window and dorsal painting by John Piper.
The Cathedral, previously known as St Woolos Cathedral but now as Newport Cathedral, is governed by the Dean and Chapter of Canons, made up of parochial clergy from within the diocese.
The Dean is the Very Reverend Dr Richard Fenwick.
More info: www.churchinwales.org.uk/monmouth/people/cathedral/