Forecourt walls and gates at Llantarnam Abbey

The site includes forecourt walls and three gateways constructed of Bath stone ashlar with cast-iron gates. These elements enclose the abbey’s approach. The low walls, which run along three sides of the courtyard, feature roll-moulded coping. The main entry is positioned asymmetrically on the south side, taking the form of a Tudor arch flanked by two lower, flat-headed pedestrian entrances. The main arch is chamfered and features carved spandrels, panelled octagonal piers at the upper angles, and a coped top that steps up twice over the centre, pierced by a cusped lozenge panel. Elaborate iron cresting sits above the arch, with twisted posts on either side, a roundel with trefoil detailing flanking a stepped centrepiece, and a large iron octagonal lantern at the very top. The pedestrian entrances are chamfered and have coped lintels, with outer piers topped by cross-gabled caps. The main gateway has double cast-iron gates featuring Gothic openwork and cresting. Smaller, similar gates are located on either side, with outermost piers also capped with cross-gables. Low walls, consistent with those surrounding the forecourt, extend outwards from each side of the main gateway.

A simpler gateway is situated on the west side, set to the right. The double iron gates here have been replaced with scrolled wrought iron, while the side gates remain original. The side gates have low outer piers instead of a full gateway, and the main Tudor arch is less detailed but retains similar ironwork and the lantern. On the east side, a small cast-iron pedestrian gate provides access to the gardens. This gate has double gates with Gothic ogee cresting between piers with cross-gabled caps and squat octagonal finials.