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Visitor Notice

When visiting Ewenni Priory Church please respect the privacy of the residents of Ewenny Priory house.

(Ewenny Priory house is a privately-owned property and not in the care of Cadw).

Thank you.

Overview

An unusually warlike religious settlement

Founded in 1141 by Maurice de Londres as an offshoot of Gloucester’s Benedictine abbey, Ewenni Priory’s austere church, presbytery and transepts are the finest surviving examples of Norman Romanesque architecture in this part of Wales.

Also notable are the settlement’s uncharacteristically robust defences, consisting of impressive walls and gates that can still be seen today.

It’s unclear exactly why a small and comparatively insignificant place like Ewenny would require such fortifications: were they built for show rather than defensive purposes? While the protective walls probably had little to do with it, Ewenni Priory has enjoyed a long and active life – the Norman nave still serves as the local parish church.


Opening times

Daily 10am–4pm

Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January


Prices

Category Price
Admission
Free

Facilities

Car park icon Drone policy icon No smoking icon

Parking for 7 cars available, no dedicated disabled parking.

Please read our policy information about flying drones at Cadw monuments: read the guidance

Smoking is not permitted.


Directions

Road
Ewenny, 2m (3.2km) S of Bridgend, off A48.
Rail
Bridgend 2.1m (3.4km)
Bike
NCN Route No.88 (0.6m/0.9km)

Postcode CF35 5BW

For further information, please contact: Traveline Cymru on 0800 464 0000 or National Rail Enquiries on 03457 48 49 50.