Llanbadarn Fawr was a sixth-century foundation which was re-founded as a cell of St Peter's, Gloucester, by Gilbert fitz Richard. Monastic life at Llanbadarn Fawr was short-lived for the Welsh drove the English monks away when they re-conquered Cardigan. The priory reverted to the status of parish church, with the largest parish in Wales. In the fourteenth century it was appropriated to the English Cistercian abbey of Vale Royal.show details of standing remains
Standing remains
The large parish church of St Padarn, Llanbadarn Fawr, dates from the thirteenth century. It is cruciform with an aiseless nave and a thirteenth-century central tower. The church was extended in the late fifteenth century and significantly restored in the nineteenth century, from 1867 to 1884. At this time the roofing was replaced although the medieval chancel roof survives.
Dedicated to: St Paternus; Padarn Medieval Diocese: St David's Affiliated to: St Peter's, Gloucester (mother-house) Lordship at foundation: Ceredigion Access: Public access to the Church of St Padarn, Llanbadarn, which incorporates Norman fabric Owned by: Representative Body of the Church in Wales
Main events in the history of this site
c.1111: Foundation - Llanbadarn Fawr was re-founded by Gilbert fitz Richard who granted the ancient 'clas' church of St Paternus (Padern) to St Peter's, Gloucester, to establish a cell. [2 sources] c.1135: Dissolution - When the Welsh re-conquered Ceredigan / Cardigan they drove the Gloucester monks away. As Gerald of Wales writes,
'In the reign of King Henry I, when the English were still in control of Wales, St Peter's monastery in Gloucester administered this church in peace and tranquillity. After Henry's death the English were driven out and the monks expelled. As I have explained laymen took forcible possession of the church and brought in their own clergy.'
[Gerald of Wales, Journey through Wales, pp. 179-80] [4 sources] 1188: Visit - Gerald of Wales and Archbishop Baldwin stayed at the former priory while preaching the Crusade through Wales. [1 source] + 1 minor event.Show minor events
