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
An Augustinian house established in the late 12th century on the banks of the Cleddau river just outside the town walls of Haverfordwest. Parts of the church, cloister, and chapter house can still be seen.
Haverfordwest,
Dyfed,
Wales
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
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
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
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
His most famous works included Holkham Hall, and the Horse Guards in WhitehallHis son in law, Capability Brown, became the leading landscape gardener in English history
