Carew's monumental conservation project (From Western Telegraph)

Carew's monumental conservation project

2:27pm Sunday 25th November 2007 in

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A BIG conservation programme at Carew Cross and nearby Carew Castle is underway.

The work, which is being carried out by Cadw, the Welsh Assembly Government's historic environment service, is necessary to protect the ancient monuments from weather damage and general dilapidation.

Carew Cross is one of the most decorative stones of this nature in Wales. The cross dates from the 11th century AD and is believed to be a memorial stone commemorating Maredudd ap Edwin, the ruler of Deheubarth.

The cross is made up of two parts, a long shaft made from tough igneous rock, and a delicate sandstone crosshead, which is particularly prone to weathering.

The conservation work involves specialist stone conservators filling in the cracks to avoid further damage from water seeping into the stone and to preserve the decorative face work. This work is part of a rolling programme undertaken every ten to 15 years.

Maintenance work, which is 50% grant-aided by Cadw, has also been carried out at Carew Castle, which is managed by the Pembrokeshire National Park Authority.

Stones on Perrot's Wing, had become loose over time but the sheer height of the building made access difficult. Rope access specialists, Ascend, have been contracted to re-bed the stones again.

Dr Kate Roberts, inspector of ancient monuments for Cadw, said: "Painstaking conservation work is being undertaken at both of these sites in Carew to safeguard not only their future, but also to ensure future generations of visitors can come and enjoy the experience of these ancient monuments."