Wales Travel Guide
Abbeys and Monasteries in Wales

The vast majority of monastic establishments in Wales belonged to the Cistercian order. This was partly due to the encouragement of the Norman invaders of Wales, who saw in the French-based order a means of lessening the influence of Welsh Celtic Christianity. The Cistercians generally opted for a life of simplicity and hard work in remote and inaccessible areas, though this did not stop them from building very profitable monastic houses and owning vast tracts of territory.

Conwy, Gwynedd Aberconwy A Cistercian house founded in 1189 as a daughter house of Strata Florida. The house was moved from its first site near Caernarfon to its second position on land granted by Llewelyn ap Iorwerth near Conwy. When Edward I built Conwy Castle he had the monks moved again, to Maenan, leaving only part of a church behind, now part of the parish church of Conwy. That final monastery at Maenan was dismantled in 1537 following the Dissolution, and the stones were used for other buildings. St Marys Parish Church, Conwy, Gwynedd, Wales Location: off Bangor Road OS map reference: SH781 774 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Abergavenny, Gwent Abergavenny Priory A Benedictine cell. Church survived for use as parish church, but is mostly modern. 14th century tower, Lady Chapel, presbytery, and medieval tombs are worthy of note. Abergavenny, Gwent, Wales Location: 3 m N Abergavenny, on minor roads OS map reference: SO285 180 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Holywell, Clwyd Basingwerk Originally a Savignac house founded in 1131 under the patronage of Ranulf, Earl of Chester. In 1147 the house became a Cistercian establishment. In 1240 Dafydd ap Llyweyln gave the monks the church and shrine of St. Winifrid at Holywell. At one time Basingwerk was a prosperous house, with lands in England and grazing land for over 2,000 sheep, but by the time of the Dissolution only 6 monks remained. The oldest church at Basingwerk dates from the early 13th century. Holywell, Clwyd, Wales Location: 1 m NE of Holywell, on A548 Website: Basingwerk Cadw OS map reference: SJ194 775 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Brecon, Powys Location map Brecon Abbey A Dominican Friary founded circa 1250. The domestic buildings are gone. After the dissolution of the monasteries in 1541, the church was used as a chapel by Christ College, which occupied the site and other buildings of the friary. (In 1855 it became a public secondary school). The chapel was partially restored in the 19th century, but the choir is 13th century with shafted lancets, and a 14th century arcade still stands. Two halls have 15th century timber roofs. Brecon, Powys, Wales , LD3 8AF OS map reference: SO043 285 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Caldey Island, Dyfed Location map Caldey Island Priory Ruins of 12th century reformed Benedictine priory. Domestic buildings were later used as farm buildings. The small (76 feet long, 47-foot high tower) old church is open. Present day Benedictine monastery is also on the island, but closed to visitors. A video on the abbey is available for viewing. Caldey Island, Tenby, Dyfed, Wales , SA70 7UJ Location: reached by boat from the beach of the town of Tenby on the A478 Website: Caldey Island Priory Email: inquiries@caldey-island.co.uk Phone: 01834 844 453 OS map reference: SS142 967 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Chepstow, Gwent Chepstow Priory The Benedictine priory was founded following the building of the castle in 1068. The five western bays survived to become a parish church that was added to in 1841. A Norman nave with simple arcades and the late Norman west front survive. A fine decorated doorway is not to be missed. Priory Church of St Mary, Chepstow, Gwent, Wales Location: on A48 Email: frchrisl@btopenworld.com Phone: 01291 620 980 OS map reference: ST536 939 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Abbeycwmhir, Powys Cwmhir Abbey At one time in its proud past this Cistercian abbey was the largest in Wales and boasted one of the largest naves in all Britain at 242 feet (bested only by York, Durham, and Winchester cathedrals). The abbey is the reputed last resting place of Llewelyn ap Gruffydd, who was killed at nearby Climery in 1282. Some legends state that Edward I intentionally built the abbey on top of Llewelyn's tomb. The Welsh monks at Cwmhir were once fined by Henry II for aiding a Welsh attack on English troops. At the time of the Dissolution only 3 monks lived on at Cwmhir, and there are few decent remains left of the monastic buildings. Abbeycwmhir, Powys, Wales Location: 5 1/2 m N Llandrindod Wells, off A483 OS map reference: SO055 711 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llanelltyd, Gwynedd Cymer Abbey Remains of a small abbey founded in 1198 by Cistercian monks as a daughter house of Cwmhir. When Edward I damaged the abbey buildings during his repeated attempts to subdue the Welsh, he granted the monks £80 compensation. Most notable of the ruins are the 3 remaining arched windows and columns. Llanelltyd, Dolgellau, Gwynedd, Wales Location: 1.5 m NW Dolgellau, on A470 Website: Cymer Abbey Cadw OS map reference: SH721 195 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Denbigh, Clwyd Denbigh Friary A Carmelite house (the only one in Wales) established in 1289. The 13th century church is all that remains. For much of the 19th century the church was used as a malthouse. Rhyl Road, Denbigh, Clwyd, Wales Location: off A525 Website: Denbigh Friary Cadw OS map reference: SJ059 666 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Ewenny, Glamorgan Ewenny Priory A Benedictine house established around 1141 by Maurice de Londres (Maurice of London), whose tomb is in the south transept. The 12th century nave of the priory now serves as the parish church. Some of the former monastic buildings are now in private hands. Ewenny, Bridgend, Glamorgan, Wales Location: off B4257 Website: Ewenny Priory Cadw OS map reference: SS912 778 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Haverfordwest, Dyfed Haverfordwest Priory An Augustinian house established in the late 12th century. Parts of the church, cloister, and chapter house can still be seen. Haverfordwest, Dyfed, Wales Location: on A4076 Website: Haverfordwest Priory Cadw OS map reference: SM957 152 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llantarnam, Gwent Location map Llantarnam Abbey A Cistercian house founded in 1179 as a daughter house of Strata Florida. The remains of that abbey are incorporated into the present buildings housing the Sisters of Saint Joseph. The fine barn, boasting 11 bays, is one of the finest medieval remnants. Llantarnam, Cwmbran, Gwent, Wales , NP44 3YJ Location: In Llantarnam, on minor road linking A4042 and A4051, near Cwmbran. A working abbey welcomes visitors by prior arrangement. Chapel always open for prayer. Email: marie@provincialate.freeserve.co.uk Phone: 01633 867 317 OS map reference: ST312 929 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llanthony, Gwent Llanthony Priory A chapel dedicated to St. David (who else, this being Wales?) was established here in the 6th century. The chapel ruins were discovered by William de Lacy, a 12th century Norman knight, who decided to renounce the world and build a new hermitage. The hermitage later became the priory we see today. Now in ruins except for the surviving early English arches and superb stonework decorations. Llanthony, Abergavenny, Gwent, Wales Location: 10 m N Abergavenny, off B4423 Website: Llanthony Priory Cadw OS map reference: SO 289278 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Margam, Glamorgan Margam Abbey Founded in 1147 under the patronage of Robert of Gloucester, Margam at one time possessed over 18,000 acres. Some of the abbey buildings, including the church, have now been incorporated into a large country park. Margam, Port Talbot, Glamorgan, Wales Location: off A48 Website: Margam Abbey Email: margamabbey@btinternet.com Phone: 01639 871 184 OS map reference: SS802 861 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Neath, Glamorgan Neath Abbey Founded in 1130 by Sauvignac monks, who later merged with the Cistercians. Once called "the fairest abbey in all Wales", Neath is especially notable for its collection of earthenware floor tiles (some of which now grace the National Museum of Wales). Look for the tiles depicting the famous single combat between Richard the Lionheart and Saladin. Neath, Glamorgan, Wales Location: 5 m NE Swansea Website: Neath Abbey Cadw OS map reference: SS737 974 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Penmon, Gwynedd Penmon Priory Originally founded in the 6th century by Welsh saints Cynlas and Seiriol, this peaceful place boasts extensive ruins of a 12th century Augustinian priory, in addition to an ancient holy well. Nearby is Puffin Island, site of another monastery begun by Seiriol. Penmon, Gwynedd, Wales Location: 4 m N Beaumaris, off B5109 Website: Penmon Priory Cadw OS map reference: SH631 807 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Cardigan, Dyfed St Dogmael's Abbey Attractive hillside remains of a 12th century Benedictine abbey. The site was originally a rare Tironian house, established in 1115, but even before then it was used as a "clas", or Celtic church. The monks owned the Isle of Caldey, which became a popular pilgrimage centre in the Middle Ages. The nave of the church dates from the 13th century, and the remains of the crypt and chapter house from the 14th. Cardigan, Dyfed, Wales Location: 1 m S Cardigan, off B4546 Website: St Dogmael's Abbey Cadw OS map reference: SN163 458 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Ystrad Meurig, Dyfed Location map Strata Florida Abbey One of the most important historic abbeys in Britain, Strata Florida (its name means "the way of the flowers") was founded in the 12th century by Cistercian monks. It became celebrated as the "Westminster Abbey of Wales", and the monks are credited with introducing many new agricultural methods. Numerous native Welsh princes are said to be buried here. A terrific Romanesque arch and floor tiles give some hint as to the former glory of Strata Florida. Ystrad Meurig, Pontrhydfendigaid, Dyfed, Wales , SY25 6BT Location: 1 m SE Pontrhydfendigaid Website: Strata Florida Abbey Phone: 01974 831 261 Cadw OS map reference: SN831 261 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Talley, Dyfed Talley Abbey A Premonstratensian house founded by Rhys ap Grufudd in 1184. The nave of the church was never finished, perhaps due to lack of funds, and the church was ceded to the crown in 1381. The old presbytery was used for the parish church until late in the 18th century. Talley, Dyfed, Wales Location: on B4302 Website: Talley Abbey Cadw OS map reference: SN632 327 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Tintern, Gwent Location map Tintern Abbey The very first Cistercian house in Wales, founded around 1131. Tintern is superbly situated in a valley bounded by hills which are resplendant in bluebells and other wildflowers in the spring. The monks once held land on both banks of the Wye (that is, in both Wales and England). The original church dates to 1150, though it was rebuilt in grand fashion in the late 13th century. In contrast to normal Cistercian simplicity of design, Tintern was decorated with intricate floor tiles and painted glass. At the time of the Dissolution, Tintern was the richest monastic establishment in all of Wales. Tintern, Chepstow, Gwent, Wales , NP6 6SE Location: 6 m N Chepstow, on A466 Website: Tintern Abbey Phone: 01291 689251 Cadw OS map reference: SO533 000 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Usk, Gwent Usk Priory Small Benedictine nunnery. The shrine of St Radegund was a place of pilgrimage. The Norman central tower remains, and below it is the chancel of the parish church. The nave and north aisle are 14th century, and there is a 15th century traceried screen and porches. Only the gatehouse remains of the domestic buildings. Usk, Gwent, Wales Location: on A472 OS map reference: SO375 005 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Llangollen, Clwyd Valle Crucis Abbey The original site chosen for Valle Crucis had one small problem; there was a village in the way. The entire population of the village of Llanegwerth was moved, though only some villagers received compensation for the loss of their homes. The 13th century carved doorway on the west front is superb, as is the chapter house, with its ribbed vaulting. Part of the site was converted to farm use in the 19th century, though later restoration work gives a good sense of the abbey's former splendour. Llangollen, Clwyd, Wales Location: 2 m NW Llangollen, on A542 Website: Valle Crucis Abbey Cadw OS map reference: SJ 205 442 Photo: David Ross and Britain Express Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

Whitland, Dyfed Whitland The first Cistercian house of Whitland was founded in 1140 near Carmarthen, though in 1151 the monastery moved to its present location. There are very few remains to be seen, and the legacy of Whitland must be that it helped establish so many other monastic houses throughout Wales. Whitland, Dyfed, Wales Location: 1 m N Whitland, off A40 OS map reference: SN209 182 Accommodation: nearest hotels - nearest Self catering

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