Some monasteries begin with a grand plan. Llanthony Priory, however, owes its origin to a knight who lost his way. Nestled in the Vale of Ewyas beneath the Black Mountains, the priory is a 900-year-old Augustinian ruin. History has it that a Norman knight, William de Lacy, stumbled upon a ruined chapel dedicated to St David while hunting. Captivated by the solitude, he abandoned his military life to become a hermit, leading to the foundation of the monastery around 1100.

The site became home to Wales's first community of Canons Regular. Known as the 'Black Canons' for their dark robes, these monks preached among local communities rather than remaining behind monastery walls. The priory endured civil wars, raids and the uprising of Owain Glyndŵr, which forced the monks to flee. A daughter house established in Gloucester eventually became wealthier than the original Welsh foundation.

Today, visitors can explore the ruins, hike nearby trails and even stay overnight at the Abbey Hotel, where history isn't just preserved—it's room service.