Hypothesis

It’s long been known that Rhuthun once held both a priory and a convent. One indication is the name Prior Street. Another is that St Peter’s Church was once served by a prior. The suggestion is that both were housed near, adjacent to or even within the castle grounds. Others say one occupied the site of the current post office or behind it. No doubt the land by the post office was once owned by the castle. The post office is, of course, next to Prior Street.

Former head of Ysgol Brynhyfryd & local historian Roger Edwards has recently expounded his own views on where the priory might once have been. Speaking during September’s heritage weekend, he put forward a new hypothesis:

• On St Peter’s Square, Alton Murphy (formerly Frischer’s) was once known as Priory House. That this is next to Priory Street may be no coincidence.

• Next to Priory House is Montecito and beyond that, at the very entrance of Prior Street, is a building once named Lisieux. Lisieux in northern France is famous for its Carmelite religious community, the same white friars who set up in Rhuthun in the 13th century or earlier.

• Cae Gwynach, given to the town in the 13th century by Reginald de Grey, supports the existence of white friars in Rhuthun.

• All three properties, from Prior House to Lisieux, are linked and enjoy a common courtyard, something Roger Edwards feels is unusual.

On this basis, Roger Edwards feels that the three were the site of the original priory. Presumably, the frontages are newer than the buildings behind them. The evidence remains circumstantial and the conjecture a hypothesis, but fascinating nonetheless.

The information for this post has come second-hand from a Heritage Weekend participant who recalls the gist of Roger Edwards’ thoughts; we therefore welcome any corrections or additions (via the Comments facility, please).