Over £100,000 for Wales’ ancient monuments

Ancient monuments across Wales will benefit from over £100,000 Welsh Government funding to restore and protect them for future generations.

Wales’ historic environment, which includes ancient monuments and historic buildings, tell the fascinating story of our past, shaping our national identity and bringing significant economic benefits, accounting for one-fifth of the tourism expenditure in Wales.

Over £100,000 of funding will be used for projects which will safeguard the ancient monuments, from urgent repair work to changes that will increase public access to the sites.

Among those receiving the grant is Porth yr Aur Gatehouse, one of the original medieval entrances to Caernarfon walled town built by Edward I in the 13th century, which is receiving up to £96,800.

The grant is towards necessary conservation of the gatehouse walls and repairs to the roof. The work will enhance this tourist attraction, which has served for centuries as the link between the town and its harbour. The gatehouse is part of the Castles and Town Walls of Edward 1 World Heritage Site.

Also benefiting is Hen Capel in Carmarthenshire, which will receive over £2,250 to support roof repairs which will allow it to remain open to the public. Hen Capel is believed to be the only medieval chapel in Wales to be converted into a non-conformist chapel in later centuries.

Today the chapel is mostly ruinous, but its west tower remains to full height.  The site is at the heart of the community and also serves as the village war memorial with two plaques commemorating the fallen.

Announcing the latest round of funding, the Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Ken Skates said:

“In Wales we are blessed with a landscape that is rich in ancient monuments and historic properties. As well as being fascinating reminders of our past and how life in Wales has changed across thousands of years, they also bring significant economic benefits through tourism.

“I’m pleased that we are able to support the continued protection of our unique heritage with our latest round of grants so that these important monuments can continue to fascinate and inspire people for centuries to come.”

Many of the grants support projects both in and around Communities First areas, which have significant social and educational benefits.

The Historic Environment (Wales) Bill was passed by the National Assembly on Tuesday 9th February. When it becomes law, the Bill will introduce new measures to protect Wales’ historic environment. Through these grants the Welsh Government is already supporting exciting conservation projects right across Wales, which will support the protection and management of Wales’ ancient monuments.