Grace Dieu Abbey was founded by John, lord of Monmouth (d. 1248), and was the last Cistercian house to be established in Wales. The community struggled from its foundation until its dissolution and while the monks had properties on both sides of the Wye, Grace Dieu remained one of the poorest houses in Britain. show more...
Standing remains
The former monastic site is scheduled as an ancient monument but there are no standing remains of the monastery buildings and it is not even certain where precisely the abbey was ultimately situated.
Dedicated to: Virgin Mary Medieval Diocese: Llandaff Affiliated to: Dore, Abbey Dore (mother-house) Lordship at foundation: Monmouth Access: Public; no remains above ground Owned by: Scheduled site
Main events in the history of this site
1217: Preparation for foundation - John, lord of Monmouth, requested permission from the Cistercian General Chapter to found an abbey in SE Wales. [4 sources] 1226 (24 April): Foundation - Eventually a founding community was sent from Dore Abbey, Herefordshire. [5 sources] 1232: Trouble - The abbot and his monk companion were held captive by Welshmen. [1 source][1 archive] 1233: Destruction - The house was razed to the ground. [2 sources] 1235: Grant - Henry III granted the monks twenty trees from the Forest of Dean to rebuild their house which had recently been destroyed. [2 sources] 1236: Relocation - The community relocated from its original site (probably on west bank of the R. Trothy) to its present site [2 sources] 1240: Grant - Henry III granted the community four oaks from Grosmont Forest to help with building work. [2 sources] 1253: Grant - Henry III granted the community two oaks from Seinfremy Wood. [2 sources] 1276: Proposed move - The community sought to relocate to escape troubles in the area. [2 sources] c.1291: Wealth - The house had an estimated net income of £18 5s 8d and some 729 ha arable under the plough. [4 sources] 1351: Resignation - Abbot Hugh [or Roger?] of Chepstow sought to resign from office for he felt the burden of administering the monastery was too great. [4 sources] c.1356: Patronage - Henry, duke of Lancaster and lord of Monmouth (d. 1361), granted the community the chantry chapel in Monmouth Castle. [2 sources] 1484: Resignation - John Mitulton resigned from the abbacy on account of the persecution of his enemies. [2 sources] 1521: Contributions to the General Chapter - The abbot of Neath collected a contribution of 3s 4d from Grace Dieu to send to the General Chapter. [1 source] c.1535: Wealth - According to the Valor Ecclesiasticus the house had an income of only £19 4s 4d. [3 sources][1 archive] 1536 : Suppression - The abbey was dissolved on 3 September 1536, under the 1536 Act of Suppression. [3 sources] + 13 minor events.Show minor events
