Wales
Wye Valley and Vale of Usk

Medieval Monasteries

click on a thumbnail image to see that photo full-sized

Abergavenny Priory
At Abergavenny, on the A40/465.
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. See map

Chepstow Priory
On the A48, at Chepstow.
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. See map

Llantarnam Abbey
Cwmbran, Torfaen NP44 3YJ
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 excellent barn, boasting 11 bays, is one of the finest medieval remnants. See map

Llanthony Priory
Near Abergavenny, Gwent, off B4423
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. More photos of Llanthony here. See map

Tintern Abbey
near Chepstow, Cadw
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. See map

Usk Priory
At Usk, A472.
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. 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

WALES TRAVEL GUIDE
ATTRACTIONS IN WALES BY REGION
Map of Regions
Anglesey and Snowdonia | North Wales Coast and Borderlands | Mid Wales and Brecon Beacons | Ceredigion | Pembrokeshire | Carmarthenshire | Swansea, Gower and the Vale of Neath | Cardiff, Coast, & Valleys of South Wales | Wye Valley and Vale of Usk

ATTRACTIONS IN WALES BY TYPE OF ATTRACTION
Abbeys & Monasteries | Ancient Sites | Castles | Gardens | Historic Churches & Religious Sites | Historic Houses | Museums | Roman Remains

Virtual Tour of Wales

Photo credits - Llanthony and Tintern © Barbara Ballard