The community originally settled at Rehednog-fel (Rhedynog Felen), Conwy, south of Caernarfon, but moved c. 1192 and finally relocated to Maenan.
The monastery flourished under the patronage of the princes of Gwynedd and abbots of Aberconwy acted as their advisors and emissaries; a number of the rulers requested burial in the abbey. Aberconwy soon became the leading monastery in North Wales.
Standing remains
The parish church of St Mary’s, Conwy, occupies the site of the former abbey church and incorporates some of the medieval structure in the east and west walls. The church was largely rebuilt in the late thirteenth century when it was converted into a parish church. The medieval Rood screen dates from the early sixteenth century when the church was occupied by the laity.
Dedicated to: Virgin Mary Medieval Diocese: Bangor Affiliated to: Strata Florida (mother-house) Lordship at foundation: Gwynedd Access: Public access to the Parish Church of St Mary and All Saints Owned by: Representative Body of the Church in Wales
Main events in the history of this site
1186: Foundation - Aberconwy was founded on 24 July 1186 and colonised by monks from Strata Florida. [3 sources] 1192: Relocation - The austere conditions at Rehednog-fel prompted the monks to relocate. [1 source] c.1200: Patronage - Llywelyn ab Iowerth gave the community the township of Nanhwynain. [1 source] 1216: Burial - Hywel ap Gruffydd was buried at the house. [1 source] c.1240: Burial - Prince Llywelyn ap Iorwerth took the habit at Aberconwy shortly before his death and was buried at the house; his stone coffin can now be seen in Llanrwst parish church. [1 source] 1245: Destruction and compensation - The abbey was sacked and looted by Henry III's men who destroyed the church. [3 sources] 1246: Burial - Iowerth the Great's successor, Dafydd, was buried at the house. [2 sources] 1248: Burial - Prince Gruffudd ap Llywelyn (d. 1244), the illegtimate son of Llywelyn the Great, was buried at the house. [5 sources] c.1255: Patronage - Llywelyn ap Gruffydd granted Aberconwy the tithes of Llanbadrig, to reward the monks for their loyalty to him. [1 source] 1277: Meeting - Llywelyn ap Gruffydd signed the Treaty of Aberconwy at Aberconwy and capitulated to Edward I [1 source] 1281: Grant - The monks gave Llywelyn ap Gruffydd £40 as a mark of their gratitude for his kindness. [1 source] c.1283-4: Relocation - Edward I compelled the monks to relocate to Maenan, some seven miles away. [2 sources] 1283: Occupation - Edward I quartered at Aberconwy for the last months of his campaign against the Welsh [2 sources] + 10 minor events.Show minor events
Butler, L. A. S., 'The lost choir: What was built at three Cistercian abbey churches in Wales?'Perspectives for an architecture of solitude : essays on Cistercians, art and architecture in honour of Peter Fergusson Medieval church studies, 11; Cîteaux. Studia et documenta, 13 ed. Terryl N. Kinder(Turnhout 2004) pp.115-123
Kerr, Julie, 'Cistercian hospitality in the later Middle Ages'Monasteries and Society in the British Isles in the Later Middle Ages Studies in the History of Medieval Religion 35 vols ed.Janet Burton and Karen Stöber(Woodbridge 2008) pp.25-39
Stephenson, David, 'The Aberconwy Chronicle'Kathleen Hughes memorial lectures on mediaeval Welsh history, 2 (Cambridge 2002)
Stöber, Karen, 'Social networks of late medieval Welsh monasteries'Monasteries and Society in the Later Middle Ages Studies in the History of Medieval Religion 35 ed.Janet Burton and Karen Stöber (Woodbridge 2008) pp.12-24
Ward, M., 'High St Conwy' Archaeology in Wales 34 pp.62
