THE final stage of the ambitious project to renovate the Priory building took place last week with the unveiling of the Geoffrey Tapestry.

The wall hanging is based on the west window of St Mary's Priory church.

The tapestry was created by the Priory Stitchers who have worked at the project in the Shire Hall for the past two years.

The embroidered pictures relate to Geoffrey of Monmouth whose major achievement was his writing in the 12th century, which led to the popularising of the legends of King Arthur.

Locals who have watched the work with interest, soon recognised that the Bishop crowning Arthur had more than a passing resemblance to the former Bishop of Monmouth, the Most Reverend Dr Rowan Williams, and the image of Geoffrey of Monmouth resembles the Rev Cannon James Coutts, the former vicar of the church and whose dream it was to transform the mediaeval building.

An appeal was launched in June 1999 to convert the Priory building for use by the community. Plans included exhibition space, a small hall for concerts and meeting rooms.

The vicar of Monmouth, Rev Richard Pain, invited the retired Canon of St Mary's church to the formal unveiling.

The Rev James Coutts said: "Many of us have stood here before and can marvel at its transformation. The Priory building now has a certain harmony and tranquillity about it. It is good to see it being used by the community.

"I can't put into words the amount of expertise and precision stitching that these people put into the tapestry, and this is the topping to my vision."

The project to transform the building, following its use as a school and a youth hostel, was designed by architect Keith Murray who was the inspiration behind Lincoln cathedral and three Oxford colleges.

Those who spent more than 3,500 hours working on the tapestry were: Margaret Dyche, Mary Newman, Margaret Harris, Angela Old, Bernice Hughes, Betty Goodwin, Beryl Rundle, Kathleen Spencer, Ann Powis, Eira Steggles, Carew Tyler, Barbara Wright and Betty Moon.