THE famous Nanteos Cup, which was once thought to be the Holy Grail and to have healing properties, went on permanent display at the National Library of Wales on Saturday.

The exact origin of the cup is a mystery, but according to tradition the relic came into the possession of the Powell family of Nanteos from Strata Florida Abbey during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

It was believed that seven Cistercian monks escaped from the abbey with the cup and sought refuge at Nanteos.

Following the death of the last of the brothers, the cup was left to the family and has been treasured and preserved ever since.

Despite claims that the cup was brought to Britain by Joseph of Arimathea and brought to Nanteos by monks from Strata Florida, experts have found the cup cannot be the Holy Grail as it was made more than 1,400 years after the crucifixion of Christ.

Pedr ap Llwyd, director of collections and public programmes, said: “At last this much revered ancient relic has returned home to Ceredigion and Wales and placing it on permanent display will allow visitors to the library to view this mysterious object.

“Whether the vessel is the Holy Grail or a piece of the True Cross or a communion cup which belonged at one time to the abbey at Strata Florida Abbey, visitors have to decide the truth for themselves."

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