THE courtyard between the Tithe Barn and the Priory Centre at St Mary’s Priory Church in Abergavenny is to be named The Prince of Wales Courtyard, in honour of the long association between Prince Charles and the church.
Permission to use ‘Royal’, names and titles of members of the Royal Family, and other protected Royal titles is a mark of Royal favour granted by the Sovereign, acting on the advice of her Ministers and as such permission for the new name as been agreed by Her Majesty The Queen.
The Prince of Wales has a long association with Abergavenny and the site, having been Patron of St Mary’s Priory Development Trust for nearly 18 years.
He opened the newly built Priory Centre in 2000 and the re-furbished Tithe Barn in 2008 and last visited the Priory in July 2016 for the Dedication of the new Jesse Window.
Welcoming the news, a delighted, Sir Trefor Morris, Chairman of the Development Trust pointed out that, ”The Courtyard has gone through an amazing transformation during the last 18 years from muddy car park to tree lined public square which houses the annual Food Festival and other community events.”
The Vicar, Canon Mark Soady added, “We are very pleased indeed that His Royal Highness’ long association with, and interest in St Mary’s Priory is to be acknowledged in this way”.
He added that he ‘wasn’t sure’ if the renaming of the courtyard would lead to another royal visit for Abergavenny in the year ahead.