Ewenny Priory Church

Nave with pulpitum screen. Stained glass by Alexander Beleschenko 2006

I always forget how much I like the proportions used by the Normans until I come across a place like this.  The solidity of the round pillars and the curve of the arches combined with the simplicity of the decoration create a sublime aesthetic. It makes gothic look old and fussy while this feels (ironically) modern.

The Priory Church is well documented and there is an excellent guide book for sale by Philip Morris. Complete with plans, old and new photos, as well as the painting of the south transept by Turner this publication is a very well thought out and pleasing guide. Ewenny was a Benedictine Priory founded '..as a daughter house of St. Peter's Abbey, Gloucester (now Gloucester Cathedral)..'(Morris p5). The church would have served both the monks who used the presbytery and transepts while local parishioners worshipped in the nave. Following dissolution while the monastic parts of the Priory changed hands and were allowed to fall into disuse, the nave remained as the local parish church. 'The Priory passed by marriage in the 18th century to the Picton-Turbervill family, who still own the  monastic end, though in the guardianship of CADW,...The nave is in the possession of the Church in  Wales and is still used as the parish church of Ewenny. (Morris p8)

Tomb slab of Maurice de Londres

The south transept holds a collection of stone carvings including the 'Beautiful and well-preserved tomb-slab..' of Maurice de Londres 'Foliate cross in relief, stiff-leaf on the chamfered edge and the crisply incised inscription in French: Here lies Maurice de Londres, the founder.May God reward him for  his labour.''(Newman p346). Contrasting bravely with these ancient sculptures is the modern stained glass by Beleschenko, '..the highly - acclaimed Swansea- based international artist..' (Morris p13)