Neath Abbey - not so ruinous as it seems!

      

Early stages of the 1920s excavation

Considering how inextricably connected the Neath Antiquarian Society is with the archaeological excavation of the Neath Abbey ruins, then it is no surprise that it remains deeply interested and concerned with its ongoing preservation.

It is probably for more than a decade that these historical remains have become increasingly in need of some major restoration work to arrest the advance of erosion, vegetation and the results of minor vandalisation.

Some two years ago officers of CADW approached the Society regarding the excavations that were done in the 1920s, and we were able to provide them with vital pictorial evidence to assist them in their research into aspects of the ruins to complete a detailed survey and a strategy report for future development.

However, as time has gone by members and officers of the Society have become increasingly concerned with the condition and safety of the structure.  With certain areas of the monument being fenced off to public access for a considerable time, the perception being that little progress was being made at the site.

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Following considerable correspondence since July 2013, a site meeting was arranged at Neath Abbey where three officials from CADW met with the Chairman and the Trustees. 

The visit was a valuable exercise as we given a tour of inspection of the work in progress and were assured that all the surveys and subsequent structural repairs were being carried out to the highest specifications.  We were grateful to CADW for their cooperation in meeting with us.  The whole project is likely to take up to fifteen years to complete....as always officers of the Society will keep a watching brief!!

The ruins of Neath Abbey is one the largest sites that CADW has custodianship of in Wales.  The major challenge for the future is how best to ‘market’ the monument in a way that will increase visitor numbers and raise awareness of its significance to the community.

Both members and other readers of this webpage are invited to comment through the Society of what importance they personally put on Neath Abbey ruins.  This information is vital to CADW and will be passed to them for use in preparing their Strategy for the Future report, as part of securing further funding from regional government .