Abbey of Saint Mary.

The remains of the former abbey lie in a natural hollow in the centre of the present village, immediately north of Cwm Degwell and south of the river Teifi. It has been the false assumption of many writers that the abbey was founded by St Dogmael back in the mists of time and that it has always stood on the present site. It is quite possible that the early ‘clas’ church of St Dogfael (not an abbey in those days) stood on the present abbey site, but some writers cast doubt upon this – the original site of St Thomas’ church (near the Church Hall) and the earthworks at Caerau being two suggested locations for it. The early church was smaller and plain in comparison to the later abbey, though it was wealthy enough to be considered worth raiding by the Vikings in 988. Its’ status and condition before the Normans arrived in Pembrokeshire can only be guessed at, though the number of early Christian inscribed stones (many now on display at the Coach House visitors’ centre) suggests a place of great religious significance. (Glen K Johnson 2008 - for further information see 'Academics/Historians' pages).