Member-only story

Abbeys and Priories of Medieval Wales: A Journey Through History and Architecture

Griffin Mitchell

·4.7k Followers· Follow

Published in Abbeys And Priories Of Medieval Wales

5 min read

676 View Claps

40 Respond

Save

Listen

Wales has a rich and fascinating architectural heritage, and its medieval religious buildings are among its most impressive and well-preserved. Abbeys and priories were once important centers of religious, social, and economic life, and their ruins still stand today as testament to the skill and devotion of their builders.

Abbeys and Priories of Medieval Wales

by Eric Pierpoint

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
File size	:	7728 KB
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Print length	:	288 pages

The Cistercian Order

The Cistercian Order was one of the most influential religious orders in medieval Europe. Founded in the 11th century, the Cistercians were known for their strict adherence to the Rule of Saint Benedict, which emphasized poverty, chastity, and obedience. They also played a major role in the development of new agricultural techniques and the spread of Christianity.

Tintern Abbey in Monmouthshire is one of the most famous Cistercian abbeys in Wales. Founded in 1131, it was home to a community of monks for over 400 years. The abbey ruins are now a popular tourist destination, and visitors can explore the remains of the church, cloisters, and other monastic buildings.

Tintern Abbey Ruins Abbeys And Priories Of Medieval Wales

Tintern Abbey, Monmouthshire

Another notable Cistercian abbey in Wales is Valle Crucis Abbey in Denbighshire. Founded in 1201, it was one of the first Cistercian abbeys in the country. The abbey ruins are located in a beautiful valley, and visitors can see the remains of the church, chapter house, and other monastic buildings.

Valle Crucis Abbey Ruins Abbeys And Priories Of Medieval Wales

Valle Crucis Abbey, Denbighshire

The Benedictine Order

The Benedictine Order was another important religious order in medieval Europe. Founded in the 6th century, the Benedictines were known for their emphasis on education and scholarship. They also played a significant role in the development of monasticism and the spread of Christianity.

Glastonbury Abbey in Somerset is one of the most famous Benedictine abbeys in the world. Founded in the 7th century, it was one of the largest and wealthiest abbeys in England. The abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII in the 16th century, but the ruins are still a popular tourist destination. Visitors can explore the remains of the church, cloisters, and other monastic buildings.

Glastonbury Abbey Ruins Abbeys And Priories Of Medieval Wales

Glastonbury Abbey, Somerset

Another notable Benedictine abbey in Wales is St. David's Cathedral in Pembrokeshire. Founded in the 6th century, it is the oldest cathedral in Wales. The cathedral was rebuilt several times over the centuries, and the current building dates from the 12th century. Visitors can see the remains of the original Norman cathedral, as well as the later Gothic additions.

St. David's Cathedral Abbeys And Priories Of Medieval Wales

St. David's Cathedral, Pembrokeshire

Other Religious Buildings

In addition to abbeys and priories, medieval Wales also had a number of other religious buildings, including parish churches, chapels, and monasteries. These buildings were important centers of religious and social life, and they played a vital role in the spread of Christianity.

The Church of St. Mary in Laugharne, Carmarthenshire is a beautiful example of a medieval parish church. Built in the 12th century, the church has a number of interesting architectural features, including a Norman doorway and a 15th-century tower. The church is still in use today, and visitors can see the

Abbeys and Priories of Medieval Wales

by Eric Pierpoint

5 out of 5