A new book on Strata Florida Abbey has been released, and it coincides with a busy time for the popular attraction, which is also undergoing some renovations.

Ysbryd Ystrad Fflur is the second in a series of three books that focus on the landscape, culture, archaeology and history of Ceredigion.

The first book in the series, the critically acclaimed bilingual publication Hud Afon Arth (The Magic of the River Arth), is a collaboration between the artist Philip Huckin, the Welsh poet Cyril Jones and the archaeologist David Austin, and provides an overview, through essays, art work and poetry, of the valley’s history and landscape.

The new book, Ysbryd Ystrad Fflur (Spirit of Strata Florida), like Hud Afon Arth, will be in both Welsh and English and focus on this famous Cistercian Abbey and its surrounding countryside.

The book will include a collection of prose, original poetry and paintings that explore the abbey, the surrounding landscape and the area’s rich cultural history.

Cyril, Philip and David have walked the old paths together and are now joined by the Welsh cultural historian Rhiannon Evans, who gives an added depth to their exploration.

The Prince of Wales has provided a foreword to the book in recognition of the central importance of Ystrad Fflur in the cultural, political, historical and archaeological history of Wales.

He also expresses his own personal attachment to the place and its spirituality.

The Prince’s Foundation is playing an important role in supporting the work of the Strata Florida Trust in its restoration and revitalisation of Mynachlog Fawr including the development of a centre dedicated to the iconic role of this place in Welsh history.

An Archaeology Field School will open at Strata Florida this summer – and everyone is welcome. It will run from 21 August to 16 September at the 12th century abbey in Pontrhydfendigaid.

The field school is being delivered by the Strata Florida Trust in partnership with The Prince’s Foundation, Allchurches Trust, University of Wales Trinity St David, Breaking Ground Heritage and Sacred Landscapes Research Project.

Allchurches Trust has given £177,400 over three years to fund the school at Strata Florida during the summers of 2019 to 2021.

“We are extremely grateful to Allchurches Trust for their very generous grant,” said Prof David Austin, director of the Strata Florida Archaeology Field School.

"It means that we can fulfil our wish to share Strata Florida’s very special history, archaeology, heritage and links to Welsh culture with as many people as possible, including members of the public, students, veterans and experienced archaeologists."

For more information, visit the Strata Florida website, and to buy the book, go to Gwasg Gwynfil's website.

See this week’s south papers for the full feature, available in shops and as a digital edition now