Abbeys and monasteries in Mid Wales
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Medieval abbeys and monasteries

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. See map

Cwmhir Abbey
5 1/2m north of Llandrindod Wells, Powys

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. See map

Valle Crucis
near Llangollen, Cadw
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.
See map

 

MEDIEVAL ABBEYS OF WALES
Anglesey & Snowdonia | North Wales & Borders | Mid Wales & Brecon Beacons | Ceredigion | Pembrokeshire | Carmarthenshire | Swansea & Gower | Cardiff and South Wales Coast | Wye Valley & Vale of Usk


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