MORE than 150 people gathered to commemorate an Abergavenny man who served as a royal advisor during Tudor times.

A plaque to honour Dr David Lewis was unveiled at a service at St Mary's Priory on Friday.

Dr Lewis was the principal of the Jesus College at Oxford and a noted academic, lawyer, politician and royal advisor to Queen Elizabeth I.

Around 75 college alumni were present at the bilingual ceremony alongside other esteemed guests including local politicians and former the Secretary of State for Wales, Lord Murphy of Torfaen.

The service involved hymns from King Henry VIII Grammar School choir and speeches from Canon Mark Soady, and Sir Nigel Shadbolt, the 33rd and current principal of Jesus College.

Dr Lewis was born in Abergavenny in 1515 and was educated at the forerunner to King Henry VIII before graduating from Oxford.

He then began a career as a civil lawyer under the Tudors before becoming MP for Steyning in 1553, and Monmouthshire the following year.

When Queen Elizabeth I founded Jesus College, she appointed him as the first principal in 1571.

During the days when there was no recognised Welsh university, the college was one of the few paths to higher education for young Welshmen.

Many see Dr Lewis as starting a legacy for young Welsh learners that the college has strived to maintain some five centuries after his death in 1584.

College alumni have raised more than £250,000 to support bursaries and scholarships for those from less affluent backgrounds to attend Oxford.

Monmouth MP David Davies said the ceremony gave him encouragement for local pupils to be able to seek further education at renowned establishments.

“I'm really pleased to be here as one of my main concerns is the relatively low number of Welsh pupils who make it into Oxbridge,” said Mr Davies.

“It's something we at the Welsh Affairs Committee have discussed several times in the past.”

Monmouth AM Nick Ramsay added: “I'm absolutely delighted to be here for such a special ceremony.

“As someone who worships in the church it's always a good thing to learn more about its past.

“I'm hopeful that this wonderful service will seek to inspire those in the town and teach visitors about our rich heritage.”