Haverfordwest Priory

Haverfordwest Priory is the remains of an Augustinian monastery beside the Western Cleddau River, with visible foundations showing where the church, chapter house, and cloister once stood. The stone ruins reveal the layout of a substantial religious complex that once served the monastic community.

The priory was founded around 1200 after receiving land from a Norman nobleman, but was shut down during the dissolution of monasteries under Henry VIII in the 1530s. The closure marked the end of monastic activity at the site, and the buildings gradually fell into ruin.

The site's position along the river shaped daily monastic life, and visitors can observe how the layout of rooms and spaces reflects the needs of the religious community. The connection between the building and the water remains visible in how the structures were oriented.

The ruins can be explored on foot during daylight hours and entry is free, though there are no formal pathways or facilities on the grounds. Visitors should wear sturdy shoes since the terrain is uneven and can be muddy after rain.

The site holds the only known surviving medieval monastic garden in Britain, with restored raised beds arranged as they would have been centuries ago. This garden reveals what plants the monks grew and how gardening was central to their daily work and self-sufficiency.

Location: Haverfordwest

Inception: 1200

Elevation above the sea: 5.9 m

Website: https://cadw.gov.wales/visit/places-to-visit/haverfordwest-priory

GPS coordinates: 51.79820,-4.96440

Latest update: December 14, 2025 11:24