Abergavenny heritage project, Plas Gunter Mansion, is seeking volunteers to join Plas Gunter Mansion’s Board of Trustees.

Plas Gunter Mansion in Cross Street was built in the 17th century and is a hugely important Grade 2* building.

Now in a terrible state of disrepair, volunteers are working to restore the building and bring it back to life.

Chair, Owen Davies says: “We very much want our Board to reflect the community we support. But you don’t need experience of being a trustee. Enthusiasm for the project and a willingness to get involved are much more important. If you care about the town and our community and you want to be involved in this exciting heritage project, we want to hear from you.”

Speaking about the benefits of becoming a trustee, he commented: “Our trustees have the opportunity to get involved in this exciting historical project, working as part of an experienced team and with local partners, including the Town Council to help breathe new life into part of Abergavenny’s town centre. They are contributing to the town’s heritage and are creating a legacy for future generations.”

To enhance the diversity of our board the Trust would particularly like to hear from people of minority ethnic background, disabled people and marginalised groups.

Full information about the role and how to apply can be found at www.plasguntermansion.org.uk/new-trustees. The deadline for applications is 12pm on Friday, March 19 2021.

The Grade II* listed 17th century building, bought for the community by the Welsh Georgian Trust (now Plas Gunter Mansion Trust) in 2017, is of historical importance because of the discovery of a secret chapel in the attic where Catholics worshipped during a period when it was illegal and dangerous to do so.

It is the only known recusant chapel that exists in Wales and one of the best surviving examples in the whole of Britain. One of the priests who led the secret services was denounced to Parliament by priest-hunter, John Arnold of Llanfihangel Court, near Abergavenny. Father – later Saint – David Lewis was arrested, hanged, drawn and quartered at Usk on 27 August, 1679. He was Wales’ last Catholic martyr.

The Trust’s vision is to turn the mansion into an historical, educational and community resource celebrating its local roots and attracting national and international visitors. It will include space for two commercial businesses, a residential apartment, and a visitor exhibition.

Urgent repairs to the roof are currently underway after the Trust was awarded approximately £70,000 by funders including the Architectural Heritage Fund, the Welsh Government’s Cultural Recovery Fund and Abergavenny Town Council.

Once the work has been completed and the building is watertight, the trustees will be concentrating on their application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund for the restoration proper.