Churchyard Wall & Gateways at Priory Church of St Mary

Cadw's description

Location

The churchyard wall surrounds the W, N, E and part of churchyard. Gates are at E and W.

History

Churchyard wall probably partly medieval and related to the monastic precinct. Gates and gatepiers C19.

Exterior

Rubble stone wall around churchyard of varying heights, taller at N with some brick coping; low and topped by railings at E; at W a gap has been created to house a granite War Memorial. At SE the wall extends from NE corner of the Priory to the E gate. Two fine sets of gatepiers at W and E ends of churchyard: tall rusticated square piers of tooled stone with cornice and plinth. Tall cast iron double gates with spear finials, separate pedestrian gates and flanking lengths of railing.
(A small section of churchyard wall at SW joining Gatehouse and Priory is listed separately.)

The enclosed churchyard has a number of good early C19 chest tombs, some iron railings round monuments, some well engraved headstones, a weathered medieval effigy and a medieval cross base. Outside the W door is a modern stone commemorating Saint David Lewis, born 1616 at Abergavenny, martyred at Usk 1679, to whom the Usk Roman Catholic church is dedicated.

Reason for designation

Listed as an integral part of the Priory complex. Group value with this and other listed buildings in Priory Street and Four Ash Street.