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Business News Wales
a day ago
- Business News Wales
Strata Florida Visitor Centre Reopens Thanks to Local Support
The visitor centre at the historical Strata Florida has reopened thanks to support from a local trust. Cadw, the Welsh Government's historic environment service, has joined forces with the Strata Florida Trust in a collaborative arrangement to safeguard and enhance the heritage site with local people now managing the site and visitor centre. Strata Florida – meaning 'Vale of Flowers' in Latin – is a medieval abbey in Ceredigion where generations of Welsh princes are buried, with the Cistercian abbey having stood on the banks of the river Teifi since 1184. The Strata Florida Trust's staff and volunteers, already working on the restoration of the Mynachlog Fawr farmhouse and farm buildings nearby, will manage the area as part of a pilot until October. The Trust runs a free-to-enter exhibition next door to the abbey, which tells the story of the farmhouse and the local and agricultural history, through a range of objects from within the farmhouse, from a spinning wheel to grandfather clock and historic tools. As part of Volunteers Week, the Minister for Culture Jack Sargeant, visited the site to pay thanks to the Trust, its staff and its passionate volunteers for their commitment to ensuring the abbey remains open and accessible. Latest stats show 30% of people in Wales have volunteered, with the Welsh Government investing more than £4.6 million in grant funding over the past three years through Wales Council for Voluntary Action. This has resulted in nearly 2,800 new volunteers aged 11-25 and over 6,300 new volunteers aged 25 plus – with a combined total of nearly 420,000 hours of volunteering taking place. The Minister said: 'Like many attractions, the Strata Florida visitor centre closed during the Covid pandemic but it has now had the opportunity to reopen, with Strata Florida Trust's dedicated staff and volunteers taking the lead. 'Volunteering is vital to the well-being of our local communities; not only is it good for those who give, but for those who benefit. Their commitment, along with that of the Trust's staff, has been instrumental in making this significant site of Welsh heritage available to visitors once again. Diolch yn fawr pawb.' To help in making Welsh heritage more accessible, the partnership is trialling free entry to the entire site, with visitors encouraged to make voluntary donations to support the ongoing conservation and operation of the nationally significant monument. Mick Taylor of the Strata Florida Trust, said: 'I'm delighted the Trust has partnered with Cadw for the benefit of Wales and beyond. 'Strata Florida is central to Welsh cultural identity, cherished nationally and internationally. Building on its legacy as a spiritual, political and literary centre with environmental lessons to teach, we're working to transform the site for future generations.' The site will be staffed daily from 10am to 4pm until 31 October.
Glasgow Times
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Glasgow Times
The reason Glaswegians are so grateful to 12th century churchman
This was a huge turning point for Glasgow, and its future as a thriving, modern metropolis was set in motion. This year, the city is celebrating its 850th anniversary. But who was Jocelin, the Bishop upon whom William of Lion, King of Scotland, bestowed this honour? Born in 1134, Jocelin was a Cistercian monk, based at Melrose Abbey during the 1160s. In 1170 he was appointed to be the fourth abbot there, a post he held for four years. In February 1174, on the death of the then Bishop, Jocelin was appointed to be the Bishop of Glasgow by the clergy, 'the people requesting and the king consenting' on May 23, 1174. The bishopric survived claims from the Bishop of St Andrews who considered himself 'Bishop of the Scots' and by longstanding claims by the Archbishops of York to subject the Scottish bishops to their authority. In 1175, Jocelin obtained a papal exemption from the authority of any bishop or archbishop, safeguarding him from any such claims, declaring the bishopric of Glasgow to be a 'special daughter of the Holy See.' That is, subject directly to Rome - a privilege later extended to the whole of the Scottish Church. City Charters showing Burgh Charter (Image: Scottish Catholic Collection Trust) This papal bull was confirmed in 1181 by Pope Lucius III when Jocelin travelled to Rome to appeal, on King William's behalf, against the King's excommunication by the Pope in an argument about the succession to the bishopric of St Andrews. Jocelin played a major role not only on the settlement that grew up around Glasgow Cathedral but in wider town and diocesan affairs. In about 1180. Jocelin commissioned a new Life of Kentigern from a monk of Furness, in Lancashire, whose name was also Jocelin. The purpose of getting his namesake to compile a biography of St Kentigern was to rouse enthusiasm over Glasgow's patron saint. Extract from Life of St Mungo (Image: Glasgow City Archives) He intended to create a powerful cult around St Mungo; helping to avoid any future threat of having to succumb to the supremacy of the Archbishop of York; and promoting the collection of funds for the erection of the church which was to be so intimately associated with his name. In terms of the cathedral, Jocelin began the erection of a nave as an addition to the already existing choir, but before 1189 and before the work was far advanced, it was interrupted by a fire. Bishop Jocelin took energetic measures to raise funds for its restoration. There is contemporary evidence as to what was happening around the rebuilding a few years later. Acting with the cooperation or counsel of the abbots, priors and other clergy in the bishopric, Jocelin was raising funds and promoting the rebuilding of the cathedral. Jocelin seal (Image: Glasgow City Archives) Jocelin secured large accessions of property throughout the kingdom with a view to the rebuilding of his cathedral, which had been destroyed by fire. His commission of a new life of Glasgow's patron saint was to excite public interest, and he procured a royal injunction that the undertaking should receive general support throughout the kingdom. On July 6, 1197, the 24th year of his episcopacy, Jocelin dedicated the new cathedral church. It was consecrated by Jocelin, with two other bishops assisting. It was not, however, completed for many years afterwards. Bishop Jocelin died on March 17, 1199 at his old abbey of Melrose and was buried there in the monk's choir. His 25-year tenure as Bishop of Glasgow was highly successful in promoting the best interests, both civil and spiritual, of the wide district over which he exercised his authority. Of all his endeavours perhaps the most permanently beneficial was the establishment of a burgh at Glasgow - the foundation charter of Glasgow's greatness, but the matters which attracted most attention in his own day were probably those connected with ecclesiastical affairs throughout the bishopric, and, most prominent of all, the rebuilding of the cathedral. And in one other way, Jocelin left a great legacy for the city. Glaswegians will be ever grateful that in the early 1190s he persuaded the king to granted Glasgow an annual fair. Its original emphasis was on trade, primarily of horse, cattle and produce markets, first held within the boundaries of Glasgow Cathedral, but its focus later shifted to entertainment - circuses, fairground rides, shows and amusements – and Glasgow's industrialists gave their workers their annual holiday during the week of the Fair. The Glasgow Fair Fortnight may not be as religiously observed as it once was, when the entire city closed down and everyone went on holiday, but it remains a tradition held dear to this day.
Scottish Sun
27-05-2025
- Scottish Sun
Historic attraction named best in the UK by Which? has free-roaming deer, water gardens and kids playground
Plus, the full list of top historic attractions including a former royal yacht BEST OF ALL BEST OF ALL Historic attraction named best in the UK by Which? has free-roaming deer, water gardens and kids playground Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) THE top historic attractions around the UK have been revealed and and beautiful former monastery in Yorkshire has come out on top. Which? asked 3,000 people what their favourite historic attractions are around the UK, and the ancient abbey came in at number one. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 4 Fountains Abbey is the UK's top-rated historic attraction, according to Which? Credit: Alamy 4 There's also a 'top class' play park on site Credit: National Trust Fountains Abbey is one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England. Which? revealed that Fountains Abbey received an overall attraction score of 88 per cent - which was a combination of overall satisfaction and likelihood to recommend. It also got four stars for entertainment and five stars for lack of crowds. The site is three miles from the city of Ripon in North Yorkshire and was founded in 1132. Fountains Abbey operated for over 400 years as one of the wealthiest monasteries in the country until its dissolution in 1539. After being handed down through various families, the abbey is now owned by the National Trust and is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to 300 wild deer, which you can see roaming around the 822 acre parkland. The site also has a 'top class' play park according to visitors. It's less than two minutes from the visitor centre, there's a huge play area with a rope bridge, nets, fireman's poles, a slide and zip wire. During kids' holidays, there are extra activities like circus skills workshops, a teddy bears' picnic, crafts and live music. UK attraction inspired by ancient Greece - with medieval castle, Jurassic Park-esque gardens and kids playground 4 On site is also the Studley Royal Water Garden Credit: Alamy The site also includes St Mary's Church, one of the finest examples of high Victorian gothic revival architecture in England, designed by William Burges. It's home to the Studley Royal Water Garden, which includes canals, ponds, cascades and a temple. It was built by more than 100 men during the 1700s - and is called 'one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden in England' by the National Trust. One visitor wrote on Tripadvisor: "Beautiful grounds and the abbey ruins were spectacular, I only wish we had arrived sooner so we could have spent more time." Fountains Abbey typically gets over 400,000 visitors a year, and it's been used for some TV shows too. It was used as background for the second season of The Witcher starring Henry Cavill and Anya Chalotra. Entry fee for the Fountains Abbey is £21 for adults. Children between 5-17 can get a ticket for £10.50. There's also an offer for families with a family of five getting entrance for £52.50 which is £10.50pp. One writer recently managed to get four National Trust family trips for the price of one by hacking their vouchers. And here are free attractions to visit this summer revealed by the National Trust. The full list of top-rated historical attractions from Which? Fountains Abbey Royal Yacht Britannia Culzean Castle & Country Park Titanic Belfast Roman Baths & Pump Room Durham Cathedral Stirling Castle Wakehurst Quarry Bank Stourhead St Paul's Cathedral Tower Bridge Exhibition Anglesey Abbey Powis Castle Westminster Abbey Calke Abbey Croome Court Tower of London Cliveden Winchester Cathedral Attingham Park Hever Castle & Gardens Mottisfont Abbey St David's Cathedral Tyntesfield Wimpole Hall Hampton Court Palace Shugborough Estate Waddesdon Manor York Minster Chatsworth House & Garden Dover Castle Lyme Park Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway Polesden Lacey Belton House Chichester Cathedral Ickworth House Blenheim Palace Cardiff Castle Houses of Parliament Kingston Lacy Estate Old Royal Naval College Greenwich Ullswater Steamers Stonehenge Windermere Lake Cruises Dunham Massey Leeds Castle St Michael's Mount Bath Abbey Bodleian Library Bury St Edmunds Abbey Castle Howard Conwy Castle Edinburgh Castle Scarborough Cliff Railway Somerset House Kensington Palace Tatton Park Bristol Cathedral Southend-on-Sea Pier Caernarfon Castle Shakespeare's Birthplace
The Irish Sun
27-05-2025
- The Irish Sun
Historic attraction named best in the UK by Which? has free-roaming deer, water gardens and kids playground
THE top historic attractions around the UK have been revealed and and beautiful former monastery in Yorkshire has come out on top. 4 Fountains Abbey is the UK's top-rated historic attraction, according to Which? Credit: Alamy 4 There's also a 'top class' play park on site Credit: National Trust Fountains Abbey is one of the largest and best preserved ruined Cistercian monasteries in England. It also got four stars for entertainment and five stars for lack of crowds. The site is three miles from the city of Ripon in North Yorkshire and was founded in 1132. Read More on UK Attractions Fountains Abbey operated for over 400 years as one of the wealthiest monasteries in the country until its dissolution in 1539. After being handed down through various families, the abbey is now owned by the National Trust and is classed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is home to 300 wild deer, which you can see roaming around the 822 acre parkland. The site also has a 'top class' play park according to visitors. Most read in News Travel It's less than two minutes from the visitor centre, there's a huge play area with a rope bridge, nets, fireman's poles, a slide and zip wire. During kids' holidays, there are extra activities like circus skills workshops, a teddy bears' picnic, crafts and live music. UK attraction inspired by ancient Greece - with medieval castle, Jurassic Park-esque gardens and kids playground 4 On site is also the Studley Royal Water Garden Credit: Alamy The site also includes St Mary's Church, one of the finest examples of high Victorian gothic revival architecture in England, designed by William Burges. It's home to the Studley Royal Water Garden, which includes canals, ponds, cascades and a temple. It was built by more than 100 men during the 1700s - and is called 'one of the best surviving examples of a Georgian water garden in England' by the One visitor wrote on Fountains Abbey typically gets over 400,000 visitors a year, and it's been used for some TV shows too. It was used as background for the second season of Entry fee for the Fountains Abbey is £21 for adults. Children between 5-17 can get a ticket for £10.50. There's also an offer for families with a family of five getting entrance for £52.50 which is £10.50pp. One writer recently managed to And here are The full list of top-rated historical attractions from Which? Fountains Abbey Royal Yacht Britannia Culzean Castle & Country Park Titanic Belfast Roman Baths & Pump Room Durham Cathedral Stirling Castle Wakehurst Quarry Bank Stourhead St Paul's Cathedral Tower Bridge Exhibition Anglesey Abbey Powis Castle Westminster Abbey Calke Abbey Croome Court Tower of London Cliveden Winchester Cathedral Attingham Park Hever Castle & Gardens Mottisfont Abbey St David's Cathedral Tyntesfield Wimpole Hall Hampton Court Palace Shugborough Estate Waddesdon Manor York Minster Chatsworth House & Garden Dover Castle Lyme Park Lynton & Lynmouth Cliff Railway Polesden Lacey Belton House Chichester Cathedral Ickworth House Blenheim Palace Cardiff Castle Houses of Parliament Kingston Lacy Estate Old Royal Naval College Greenwich Ullswater Steamers Stonehenge Windermere Lake Cruises Dunham Massey Leeds Castle St Michael's Mount Bath Abbey Bodleian Library Bury St Edmunds Abbey Castle Howard Conwy Castle Edinburgh Castle Scarborough Cliff Railway Somerset House Kensington Palace Tatton Park Bristol Cathedral Southend-on-Sea Pier Caernarfon Castle Shakespeare's Birthplace 4 Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire was voted best historic attraction Credit: Alamy
Miami Herald
22-05-2025
- Science
- Miami Herald
Hobbyist studying old map notices odd mark that leads to medieval find in Sweden
Göran Bengtsson, a hobby archaeologist, was studying an 18th-century map of southwestern Sweden when he noticed something unusual. A rectangle and the word 'Klosterkullen,' which translates to 'monastery hill,' was drawn in an area that today is an empty field in Derome, according to a May 13 news release from the Swedish archaeology service Arkeologerna. On a dry summer day, Bengtsson scanned the area using a drone and metal detector. He found clear traces or crop marks in the ground — evidence of a buried structure, experts said. Bengtsson enlisted the help of professional archaeologist Bengt Westergaard at Arkeologerna. Ground-penetrating radar confirmed the presence of 6.5-feet-thick walls, pillar foundations and other building parts. Bengtsson had discovered a medieval monastery likely dating back to the late 12th century, according to the release. Experts said this may have been the east wing of the unfinished Cistercian monastery of Ås, the release said. A letter from a meeting in 1243 shows the then-abbot, or head of the monastery, applied to have it moved. The site was relocated some time during the 13th century, according to experts. Westergaard said in his 40 years as an archaeologist, he has never seen anything like this, according to the release. The Order of Cistercians was part of the Roman Catholic monastic order founded in 1098. The group was made up of monks, and eventually, nuns. Additional ground-penetrating radar scans will be performed to try and locate more of the monastery, experts said. No archaeological excavations have been planned. Derome is about a 340-mile drive southwest from Stockholm. Google Translate was used to translate the news release from Arkeologerna.
