Papers in honour of David Henry Williams

Notes on the career of the monastic historian and specialist in Cistercian studies.

discussion of the site of the Pen-rhys monastic grange (a possession of the Cistercian abbey of Llantarnam) and the spring dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, with particular reference to its role as a centre for pilgrimage

an examination of previous work on cataloguing and interpreting medieval seal matrices; of current studies and resources on the subject; and at areas for future research

discussion of the survival of monastic priories following the Dissolution of the monasteries, and their adaptation or redevelopment for other uses; with particular reference to the priories at Monmouth, Usk, Abergavenny, Ewenny and Chepstow

a review of investigations undertaken on the Cistercian grange of Merthyrgeryn, including an examination of documentary evidence and a brief account of the survey and excavation undertaken during the early 1970s

Brief notes on the excavation of two substantial medieval buildings and a stretch of medieval road in Church Field West, Trelech. The buildings were shown to be thirteenth-century constructions facing onto a road which was one of the main entry points to the town. The artefact assemblages indicated high status, although most medieval material was of local origin. A third building was probably ancillary. Excavation also revealed an alley between the two main buildings and a further stretch of road to the south. The ceramic assemblage, including many stone pot lids, and the metal small finds, including four large keys, could indicate the use of the second building as an inn or tavern, given its location. Another function suggested is that of a pilgrim's hospice.