Valle Crucis Abbey HDR IV
Valle Crucis Abbey beneath leaden skies near Llangollen.
The ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey (Abaty Glyn y Groes in Welsh, or Abbey of the Valley of the Cross – named after Eliseg’s Pillar, a ninth century Christian memorial cross nearby) are located just outside the Denbighsire town of Llangollen, in North Wales.
Home to Cisterican monks between its founding in 1201 and its dissolution by King Henry VIII in 1537, Valle Crucis was the spiritual centre of the area and home to around 60 monks at the height of its power.
The abbey was built under the auspices of Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor, Prince of Powys Fadog, and was the last Cistercian monastery founded in Wales.
It served its religious purpose for more than 300 years, before being resolved and falling into disrepair. It was passed through several families before being used as a farm in the 18th century and eventually excavated in the 19th century
Many of the abbey’s original features remain, including the west front, with rose window and the 14th century inscription ‘Abbot Adams carried out this work; may he rest in peace. Amen’.
Valle Crucis is now under the care of Cadw, the Welsh government, and is open as a visitor attraction.
Valle Crucis Abbey HDR IV
Valle Crucis Abbey beneath leaden skies near Llangollen.
The ruins of Valle Crucis Abbey (Abaty Glyn y Groes in Welsh, or Abbey of the Valley of the Cross – named after Eliseg’s Pillar, a ninth century Christian memorial cross nearby) are located just outside the Denbighsire town of Llangollen, in North Wales.
Home to Cisterican monks between its founding in 1201 and its dissolution by King Henry VIII in 1537, Valle Crucis was the spiritual centre of the area and home to around 60 monks at the height of its power.
The abbey was built under the auspices of Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor, Prince of Powys Fadog, and was the last Cistercian monastery founded in Wales.
It served its religious purpose for more than 300 years, before being resolved and falling into disrepair. It was passed through several families before being used as a farm in the 18th century and eventually excavated in the 19th century
Many of the abbey’s original features remain, including the west front, with rose window and the 14th century inscription ‘Abbot Adams carried out this work; may he rest in peace. Amen’.
Valle Crucis is now under the care of Cadw, the Welsh government, and is open as a visitor attraction.