Scheduled MonumentsWalesSt John's Priory
Medieval · Priory

St John's Priory

Carmarthenshire, Wales
Cadw SAM CM236
Period
Medieval
Site type
Priory
Broad class
Religious, Ritual and Funerary
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

St John's Priory is a medieval Benedictine priory situated in Carmarthenshire, Wales, founded in the twelfth century as a daughter house of Sherborne Abbey in Dorset. The priory served as both a religious community and burial place for local nobility and gentry throughout the medieval period. Archaeological remains at the site include substantial masonry fragments indicative of a substantial monastic establishment, with evidence of domestic, claustral, and ecclesiastical structures typical of a medieval priory layout. The site was dissolved during the sixteenth century Dissolution of the Monasteries, after which its buildings fell into decay, leaving only fragmentary stone remains visible today as a testament to its former importance as a centre of religious and funerary significance.

St John's Priory is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CM236. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is St John's Priory?

St John's Priory is a medieval Benedictine priory situated in Carmarthenshire, Wales, founded in the twelfth century as a daughter house of Sherborne Abbey in Dorset. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CM236.

What period does St John's Priory date from?

St John's Priory dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a priory. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting St John's Priory?

St John's Priory is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is CM236.

What other scheduled monuments are near St John's Priory?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Rhyd-Lydan Cromlech (6 km), Banc y Bettws Castle Mound (6.4 km), Standing Stone NNW of Clomendy (6.4 km).

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