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Tintern (Abbey)

also known as: Tintern; Abaty Tyndyrn

Order: Cistercian

Tintern was the first Cistercian foundation in Wales and the second in Britain. It was founded by the Anglo-Norman magnate, Walter fitz Richard (Clare), who was lord of Chepstow. Substantial remains have survived and the site is one of the most picturesque in Wales.

Dedicated to: Virgin Mary Medieval Diocese: Llandaff
Affiliated to: L'Aumone, France (mother-house); Kingswood, Glos (daughter-house); Tintern Parva, Ireland, (daughter-house)
Lordship at foundation: Striguil
Access: Public
Owned by: Cadw

Main events in the history of this site

1131Foundation  
1139Founds daughter-house - Tintern founded its first daughter-house at Kingswood, Glos. 
1200Founds daughter-house - Tintern founded a second daughter-house; this was Tintern Parva in Ireland. [4 sources][1 archive]
1326Royal visitor - Edward II took refuge at the house 
1478Visit - William of Worcester, antiquary, visits the house 
1536Dissolution - Tintern was dissolved under the 1536 Act of Suppression on 3 September 1536. [2 sources][1 archive]
+ 2 minor events. Show minor events

People associated with this site

Abbots of Tintern

Walter de Clare; Walter Fitz Richard , baron; lord of Chepstow (founder)

William of Worcester; William of Worcestre; William Botoner , author and topographer

Bibliographical sources

107 Printed sources

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5 On-line sources

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Archival sources

Canterbury Cathedral Archives, 'Abbatial seal, Tintern Abbey, attached to letter from Tintern (Ireland) to the Canterbury monks', (Document), (View website)

British Library, 'Agreement between the abbeys of Margam and Llantarnam', (Document), (View website)

British Library, 'Continuation of the FLORES HISTORIARVM (an abridgement of Matthew Paris' Chronica Maiora)', (Document), (View website)

British Library, 'Copy of William Marshal's bequest of land to found Tintern Parva, Co. Wexford', (Document), (View website)

The National Archives, 'Exchequer: King's Remembrancer: Ancient Deeds, Series D - demise of weir to Tintern', (Document), (View website)

The National Archives, 'Special Collections: Ministers' and Receivers' Accounts - possessions of Tintern (post Dissolution', (Document), (View website)

Related articles on Monastic Wales

The Cistercians in Wales, Prof. J.E.Burton, Department of Archaeology, History and Anthropology, University of Wales Lampeter
Who were the Cistercians?, Professor Janet Burton

Images of this site

Abbey church of St Mary the Virgin, Tintern

Abbey church of St Mary the Virgin, Tintern

Cloisters, Tintern Abbey


Cupboard in the refectory, Tintern Abbey

Doorway, Tintern Abbey

Nave, Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin, Tintern


Nave, Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin, Tintern

Night Stairs, Tintern Abbey

North Aisle Transept, Tintern Abbey


Refectory, Tintern Abbey

Roof Boss, Tintern Abbey

Roof Boss, Tintern Abbey


Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey


Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey


Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey


Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey


View of Infirmary, Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey

Monmouthshire, OS Grid:SO533000
View site details on COFLEIN (RCAHMW database)[new window]


 
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