Llantarnam Abbey image from www.sistersofstjoseph.org.uk
Members of the Ancient Cwmbran and The Cistercians Project will visit Llantarnam Abbey on Saturday, April 17 to record an historic find.
During a recent field-walking exercise at the Abbey, a fascinating pile of carved stone was discovered.
Ancient Cwmbran and the Cistercians Partnership project officer Richard Davies said: “The stone was intricately carved by expert stonemasons working for the Cistercian monks 800 years ago – a fabulous find.
“To ensure these historical artefacts are recorded and preserved for future generations, members of our art group will sketch and draw the craved stone this weekend. These illustrations will then be shown in the final exhibition of the project.”
The Ancient Cwmbran and Cistercians Partnership consists of Cwmbran Historical Society, Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust, University of Wales, Newport, Torfaen Museum Trust, Communities First Thornhill, the Co-Star Partnership and Torfaen council.
It is researching several sites of archaeological interest in the Thornhill and Greenmeadow areas of Cwmbran, one of which dates back more than 3,500 years.
The project, which is funded by the Cwmbran Regeneration Partnership, Torfaen council and a Heritage Lottery grant, is helped by volunteers.
The leader of Torfaen council, councillor Bob Wellington, who is chair of the partnership said: “This is another fascinating find and further evidence of the hidden history of Cwmbran that we are uncovering.
“We are constantly learning new things about our local heritage and the area’s ancient past, as part of this interesting and fulfilling project. Volunteers are always welcomed, so I’d encourage as many people as possible to learn more history by becoming involved in the project.”
Archaeologists are working with local residents to investigate several sites, some of which are previously unrecorded. The project will also celebrate the medieval pilgrimage heritage of the area with an arts project commemorating Saint Derfel and the production of a heritage circular walks leaflet.
For more information on the Ancient Cwmbran and The Cistercians Partnership or to get involved, contact 07775 788352 or visit www.ancientcwmbran.co.uk.
