Cultural centre planned for 12th century abbey
THE RUINS of a Welsh Cistercian abbey will receive a new cultural centre as part of the Prince of Wales’ 70th birthday celebrations.
The Strata Florida Abbey ruins in Ceredigion have been earmarked for regeneration as one of seven UK community projects chosen by Prince Charles.
The ruins, along with its nearby farming complex, have been a long-standing interest for the Prince of Wales since his days as a student in Aberystwyth.
Now, as part of the royal’s 7 for 70 initiative, the project will see the Mynachlog Fawr building adjacent to the site converted into space for accommodation, exhibitions, workshops and businesses.
Founded in 1164, the abbey is home to the grave of one of Wales’s best-known medieval poets – Dafydd ap Gwilym.
To encourage people to learn about its history, an archaeology training school will also be established on the Cadw-run site to celebrate its importance in Welsh culture and religion.
Tiva Montalbano, senior project manager at the Prince’s Foundation, said: “The project will take a few years to evolve as we are trying to do it in a sustainable way.
“We’re hoping that within a few years, Strata Florida will once again be a hive of activity, with education and skills training being offered, events, and ample opportunities to learn about Welsh history and to get out and enjoy the landscape.
“We’ve also just received a grant to develop an archaeological training school at Strata Florida, so starting from next summer we will be offering training to people from all walks of life who would like to build a career in archaeology. The really exciting bit is that we will be working closely with mental health and veterans charities to ensure that this training is as inclusive as possible.” To oversee the project an independent Strata Florida community liaison group will be formed along with a newly-appointed community heritage officer.
It is hoped public consultations will begin in spring 2019 after an options appraisal to assess the most sustainable business models for the site.
Ms Montalbano said: “His Royal Highness had a long-standing interest in Strata Florida, having first visited when he was a student at Aberystwyth.
“He has come back to visit many times, most recently in 2017 and the site is not far from Llwynywermod, his home in Wales.
“His passion for sustainability and heritage-led regeneration has led to a partnership with the Strata Florida Trust. Together with the Strata Florida Trust we will be working to transform Strata Florida into a centre for the celebration of Welsh heritage, language and culture.
“We are working closely with Cadw and Ceredigion County Council to ensure that this project is both economically and environmentally sustainable, and secures benefits for local people and the economy.”
The west Wales abbey is one of seven community projects launched to mark the heir to the throne’s birthday tomorrow.