It was at Whitland that Rhys's son, Maredudd, ended his days as a monk after he had been blinded by order of King Henry II of England when a hostage in England. It became an important cultural centre for south-west Wales and a strong supporter of the Welsh struggle to remain free of English domination. The monastery, which was dedicated to St. Mary, and had an establishment of eight monks, continued to flourish till the dissolution, at which time its revenue was estimated at £153. 17. 2.; and its site was granted, in the 36th of Henry VIII, to Henry Audley and John Cordel.