Haverfordwest Priory vandalism causes thousands of pounds’ worth of damage

PEOPLE are being urged to be aware and report vandalism, anti-social behaviour and heritage crime at Welsh historic sites this half-term after thousands of pounds’ worth of damage was caused at the newly renovated Haverfordwest Priory.

The skilled, careful conservation work of Cadw’s own specially trained stonemasons and contractors - intended to secure the long-term future of the Pembrokeshire site and make it a better, safer place for visitors and the community to enjoy - was destroyed in a matter of hours.

Fleur Gordon, Head of Properties in Care at Cadw, said:

"It is with a heavy heart that we have seen significant antisocial behaviour and vandalism at Haverfordwest Priory. Effectively, a year’s work within the cloisters has been affected and specialist conservation undone in what appears to have been a concerted and determined act, rather than a careless accident.”

The financial impact is still being counted, but the recent cost of the works - much of which has now been destroyed - was just shy of £50,000.

Beyond the financial cost, the volunteers and craftspeople who have dedicated their time and skill to this project, including a long-serving volunteer gardener and the masons who carried out the work, have been left disheartened by seeing their work destroyed.

Heritage crime - whether theft, vandalism or unauthorised works - does not just damage old stones. It erodes history, discourages the volunteers and professionals who sustain historic sites, and diverts money that could otherwise go towards opening-up heritage for more people to enjoy or to other conservation projects.

Heritage crime can also include arson, theft, vandalism and graffiti, removing or rearranging archaeological material, unauthorised works and off-roading.

"It is frustrating to see such mindless vandalism,” added Fleur. “This is a crime – I really would urge that anyone who sees such instances happening to report it to the police.”