Tintern Abbey
 Abbeys |
Tintern Abbey is one of the most dramatic and complete of all the ruined British monasteries still standing. Though a ruin it still is serene in its sublime pastoral setting of wooded hillsides and peaceful meadows besides the curving River Wye.
Although it is situated on the Welsh side of the Wye frontier, most of the abbey's connections were of English origin. Among the earliest of Cistercian settlements in Wales, Tintern was in fact founded in 1131 by monks sent from Normandy at the behest of the Norman lord of Chepstow. In 1220, the abbey was significantly re-built. This included a larger refectory and a new church of which the soaring east end and the rose window of the abbey church is almost intact. The Abbot's Hall was completed in the 14th century. In the East Walk of the cloister can be seen the 12th century recesses for books, and a brilliant 14th century doorway leads into an inner chamber, a book-room and vestry. There are recesses also in the 25 metre long 'frater' or dining-hall near the doorway, one for handwashing the other to hold towels. The stairs that ascended to the pulpit, from which one of the brothers would read aloud during mealtimes are partly intact.
Tintern, as with all monastic institutions, was suppressed by Henry VIII during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, between 1536/9. The nearby Anchor Inn was probably the abbey's watergate. A 13th cent arch links it with the slipway. The history of Tintern Abbey is displayed in an exhibition on site.
For further information see - http://www.sacred-destinations.com/wales/tintern-abbey