Talley Abbey – Premonstratensian Heraldry

Since the foundation of the order, Premonstratensian abbeys and priories have utilized coats-of-arms as insignia for their community. Each abbey has a unique coat-of-arms that express important elements, ideals, or characteristics of the community. This database seeks to collect in one location the entire collection of coats-of-arms for the Premonstratensian Order over its 900 years in existence. To that end students from Norbertine schools across the globe have lended their talents to gathering and analyzing Premonstratensian coats-of-arms over the centuries.

This ongoing project is coordinated by the Center for Norbertine Studies at St. Norbert College.

This website is currently under construction and will be frequently updated.

Location: Near Carmarthen, South-central Wales

Dates: 1193/97-1535 AD

Circary: Anglica

Mother House: ???

Coat of Arms: Three argent fish and an or crozier against a gules field.

The fish symbolize the fish-farming practiced by the canons to sustain their community. Talley Abbey is located near two lakes, from which the canons harvested fish for their livelihood.
The gold crozier represents the abbot’s authority, signifying the site’s status as an abbey. It also mirrors the emblem found on the coat of arms of the Premonstratensian Order.

Online resources:

Contributors: student names, high school/college

Last Edited:

About this Project