Following the Abbey’s voluntary surrender in 1539 to Henry VIII, its magnificent stonework and other materials began to be removed and used in other buildings. This process gathered pace under Elizabeth I, who allowed Sir John Perrot to use the best stone for his private residence at Laugharne Castle. Some of the stone ended at St Peter’s Church, Carmarthen and other local Whitland buildings. Most of the rest was used in the Forges that have occupied the site down the centuries.

 The archaeological digs recovered stonework, tiles and other historical finds that were removed by Cambria and Trinity. The Cambria collection went to Carmarthen Museum. I wasn’t sure what happened to Trinitys finds as there is no longer an Archaeology Department at the Carmarthen Campus. Carmarthen have been asked for a copy of their Accessions Register, which lists every Whitland Abbey item they have in their possession. They have kindly agreed to this request. I also asked for help in locating the Trinity collection and was relieved to find out that they are also with Carmarthen Museum.

There are a large number of Abbey pieces with the Museum, some have been on display and others kept in storage. The County Museum is currently closed for renovations.

Whitland has the ability to securely display Abbey items that are kept in storage and not part of the Museum display collection. Whitland Abbey is a major part of the town’s rich history and it would be great to have these items on display for the benefit of Whitlanders and tourists. Even if this is on a loan basis, CAN WHITLAND HAVE SOME OF IT’S ABBEY BACK PLEASE?

The Museum has been asked the question. Updates to follow.

Dave Walsh-Gibbon
12/06/20