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.

The property has the large 1878 Gothic Revival-style building that was the former Kenwood Academy, a private Roman Catholic school. The campus also includes a gatehouse, gardener’s cottage and carriage barn.http://blog.timesunion.com/realestate/on-the-market-the-old-doane-stuart-campus/416/

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Three of the four business partners involved in an offer to buy the large, secluded Kenwood Academy property in Albany, New York, have stepped away from the deal or now have a limited role.

The abrupt changes leave one person looking for other financial and development partners.

The 73-acre wooded campus near Thruway Exit 23 has been empty since Doane Stuart School moved out and the religious order closed its convent in 2008. Attempts to sell and develop the property, which includes 214,000 square feet of buildings, have been unsuccessful. The list price has dropped to $2.9 million.

Several ideas have been floated for the unique property, including an international boarding school and language institute. There are also retail opportunities on the exterior of the campus fronting busy Southern Boulevard and South Pearl Street. www.bizjournals.com/albany/news/2017/04/07/shakeup-among-...

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image by Photo George

copyrighted: ©2017 GCheatle

all rights reserved

locator: GAC_2697

Beauvais, a charming city located in northern France, is known for its historical significance and stunning architecture. One of its most prominent landmarks is the Beauvais Cathedral, also known as the Cathédrale Saint-Pierre de Beauvais.

The Beauvais Cathedral is renowned for its remarkable and ambitious Gothic design, particularly its towering choir and transept. However, what sets this cathedral apart is its unfinished state – it lacks a nave due to the challenges of constructing such a massive structure in the Middle Ages. Despite its incomplete status, the cathedral remains an impressive testament to the architectural and engineering prowess of its time.

The construction of the Beauvais Cathedral began in the 13th century and aimed to surpass even the grandeur of the famed Amiens Cathedral, located not far away. The intention was to create the tallest and most majestic cathedral in the world. The soaring choir and transept reflect this ambition, and the intricate details of the stonework showcase the mastery of the craftsmen involved in its creation.

The cathedral also houses some remarkable stained glass windows that depict biblical scenes and stories, offering visitors a glimpse into the religious and artistic history of the region. The intricate sculptures and carvings adorning the exterior and interior of the cathedral further contribute to its visual splendor.

While the cathedral's lack of a nave prevents it from being used for its original purpose as a fully functioning church, it still attracts visitors from around the world who marvel at its architectural significance and the unique story it tells. The unfinished state of the Beauvais Cathedral serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by medieval builders and the enduring impact of their vision.

In addition to its cathedral, Beauvais offers a charming cityscape with cobblestone streets, traditional French architecture, and a rich history that spans centuries. The city's cultural heritage, coupled with the striking presence of the Beauvais Cathedral, makes it a compelling destination for history enthusiasts, architecture aficionados, and travelers seeking a deeper connection to France's past.

73 acres. Formerly the Kenwood Convent and Doane Stuart School; This extraordinary campus features original architecture, beautiful woodwork, soaring chapel w/ stained glass windows, classrooms, 2 gyms, tennis court, athletic fields plus 2 other homes on the property. www.selectsothebysrealty.com/enb/sales/detail/327-l-2632-...

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locator: Google Earth 01

The property has the large 1878 Gothic Revival-style building that was the former Kenwood Academy, a private Roman Catholic school. The campus also includes a gatehouse, gardener’s cottage and carriage barn.

blog.timesunion.com/realestate/on-the-market-the-old-doan...

++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Three of the four business partners involved in an offer to buy the large, secluded Kenwood Academy property in Albany, New York, have stepped away from the deal or now have a limited role.

The abrupt changes leave one person looking for other financial and development partners.

The 73-acre wooded campus near Thruway Exit 23 has been empty since Doane Stuart School moved out and the religious order closed its convent in 2008. Attempts to sell and develop the property, which includes 214,000 square feet of buildings, have been unsuccessful. The list price has dropped to $2.9 million.

Several ideas have been floated for the unique property, including an international boarding school and language institute. There are also retail opportunities on the exterior of the campus fronting busy Southern Boulevard and South Pearl Street. www.bizjournals.com/albany/news/2017/04/07/shakeup-among-...

++ ++ ++ ++ ++

image by Photo George

copyrighted: ©2017 GCheatle

all rights reserved

locator: GAC_2686

The property has the large 1878 Gothic Revival-style building that was the former Kenwood Academy, a private Roman Catholic school. The campus also includes a gatehouse, gardener’s cottage and carriage barn. blog.timesunion.com/realestate/on-the-market-the-old-doan...

++ ++ ++ ++ ++

Three of the four business partners involved in an offer to buy the large, secluded Kenwood Academy property in Albany, New York, have stepped away from the deal or now have a limited role.

The abrupt changes leave one person looking for other financial and development partners.

The 73-acre wooded campus near Thruway Exit 23 has been empty since Doane Stuart School moved out and the religious order closed its convent in 2008. Attempts to sell and develop the property, which includes 214,000 square feet of buildings, have been unsuccessful. The list price has dropped to $2.9 million.

Several ideas have been floated for the unique property, including an international boarding school and language institute. There are also retail opportunities on the exterior of the campus fronting busy Southern Boulevard and South Pearl Street. www.bizjournals.com/albany/news/2017/04/07/shakeup-among-...

++ ++ ++ ++ ++

image by Photo George

copyrighted: ©2017 GCheatle

all rights reserved

locator: GAC_2683

St Joan the Arc CHurch Building. This sanctuary holds one of the three statues of St John of Arc found in New Orleans. ++ ++ ++ ++ ++

image by Photo George

copyright ©2016 GCheatle

all rights reserved

locator: GAC_8794

St. Joseph's Provincial House, located in Latham, New York is the center and headquarters of the Albany Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. www.csjalbany.org/index.cfm/ProvincialHouse/

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This Chapel while it shows similarity to a stand alone building

is actually one part - howbeit an important part of a larger multi-floor high-rise Hospitality Building.

The entrance to the Chapel is from the inside only.

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image by Photo George

copyright ©2016 GCheatle

all rights reserved

locator: GAC_9636

Hi friends, so were back in Paris visiting Notre Dame de Paris, on of my very favourite pieces of Gothic architecture. This was the highlight of our trip. I'd like to complete the set I have started - these photos are a year and a half old already!

Here's some wonderful information on stained glass - en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stained_glass

Notre Dame de Paris ('Our Lady of Paris' in French) is a Gothic cathedral on the eastern half of the Île de la Cité in the fourth arrondissement of Paris, France.

Notre Dame de Paris ('Our Lady of Paris' in French) is a Gothic cathedral on the eastern half of the Île de la Cité in Paris, France, with its main entrance to the west. It is the cathedral of Paris and the seat of the Archbishop of Paris. Notre Dame de Paris is widely considered one of the finest examples of French Gothic architecture. It was restored and saved from destruction by Viollet-le-Duc, one of France's most famous architects. The name Notre Dame means "Our Lady" in French. Notre Dame de Paris was one of the first Gothic cathedrals, and its construction spanned the Gothic period. Its sculptures and stained glass show the heavy influence of naturalism, unlike that of earlier Romanesque architecture.

Notre Dame de Paris was among the first buildings in the world to use the flying buttress [arched exterior supports]. The building was not originally designed to include the flying buttresses around the choir and nave. After the construction began and the thinner walls (popularized in the Gothic style) grew ever higher, stress fractures began to occur as the walls pushed outward. In response, the cathedral's architects built supports around the outside walls, and later additions continued as such.

The cathedral suffered desecration during the radical phase of the French Revolution in the 1790s, when much of its religious imagery was damaged or destroyed. During the 19th century, an extensive restoration project was completed, returning the cathedral to its previous state.

Santa Klara Asiskoa eta Zarauzko Komentua

Santa Klara Asiskoa (1194-1253) uztailaren 16an jaio zen Asisko familia noble batetan, Italian. 1212ko Erramu Igandearen gauean, 18 urte zituela, bere ondasun guztiak utzi zituen Kristorengatiko maitasunagatik eta San Damiango monasteriogiara joan zen Jainkoari kontsagratzeko. San Frantziskoren discipulua izan zen eta Klarisen ordena fundatu zuen, pobrezia absolutuan oinarritua. Emakumeentzako lehen erregela idatzi zuen historiako, 1253an Papa Inozentzio IV.ak onartua. 1253ko abuztuaren 11n hil zen eta 1255ean santutzat aldarrikatu zuten. Bere egunean abuztuaren 11n ospatzen da eta telebistaren zaindaria da.

Zarauzko Santa Klararen komentua 1611. urtean sortu zen María Ana de Zarauz y Gamboa andereak fundatua, bere bi alabekin batera klausura hartu zuenean. Gipuzkoako lehen Klarisa komentua izan zen. Eraikuntza 1618 eta 1625 urteen artean egin zen, harri sillarrez egina, elizaren, komentuaren eta baratzeen multzoa osatuz. 1794an frantsesek kaltetu zuten eta 1985ean berreraiki zen. Gaur egun, herriaren erdian dagoen bakegune bat da, Santa Klararen espiritu eta arauari jarraituz.

Santa Clara de Asís y el Convento de Zarautz

Santa Clara de Asís (1194-1253) nació el 16 de julio de 1194 en una familia noble de Asís, Italia. En la noche del Domingo de Ramos de 1212, a los 18 años, renunció a todas sus posesiones por amor a Cristo y se dirigió al Monasterio de San Damián para consagrarse a Dios. Fue discípula de San Francisco de Asís y fundó la orden de las Clarisas, basada en la pobreza absoluta. Escribió la primera regla para religiosas de la historia, aprobada por el Papa Inocencio IV en 1253. Murió el 11 de agosto de 1253 y fue canonizada en 1255. Su fiesta se celebra el 11 de agosto y es patrona de la televisión.

El Convento de Santa Clara de Zarautz fue fundado en 1611 por doña María Ana de Zarauz y Gamboa, quien ingresó en clausura junto a sus dos hijas. Fue el primer convento de Clarisas establecido en Gipuzkoa. La construcción se realizó entre 1618 y 1625 en piedra sillar, formando un conjunto de iglesia, convento y huertas. Fue dañado por los franceses en 1794 y restaurado en 1985. Hoy representa un oasis de paz en el centro de la villa, siguiendo el espíritu y la regla de Santa Clara.

Saint Clare of Assisi and the Convent in Zarautz

Saint Clare of Assisi (1194-1253) was born on July 16, 1194, into a noble family in Assisi, Italy. On the night of Palm Sunday 1212, at age 18, she renounced all her possessions for love of Christ and went to the Monastery of San Damián to consecrate herself to God. She was a disciple of Saint Francis of Assisi and founded the order of Poor Clares, based on absolute poverty. She wrote the first rule for religious women in history, approved by Pope Innocent IV in 1253. She died on August 11, 1253, and was canonized in 1255. Her feast day is celebrated on August 11 and she is patron saint of television.

The Convent of Santa Clara in Zarautz was founded in 1611 by María Ana de Zarauz y Gamboa, who entered into cloistered life with her two daughters. It became the first Clarissan convent established in Gipuzkoa. Construction took place between 1618 and 1625 in ashlar stone, forming a complex of church, convent and orchards. It was damaged by the French in 1794 and restored in 1985. Today it represents an oasis of peace in the town center, following the spirit and rule of Saint Clare.

Sainte Claire d'Assise et le Couvent de Zarautz

Sainte Claire d'Assise (1194-1253) naquit le 16 juillet 1194 dans une famille noble d'Assise, en Italie. La nuit du dimanche des Rameaux 1212, à l'âge de 18 ans, elle renonça à tous ses biens par amour du Christ et se dirigea vers le monastère de San Damián pour se consacrer à Dieu. Elle fut disciple de saint François d'Assise et fonda l'ordre des Clarisses, basé sur la pauvreté absolue. Elle écrivit la première règle pour religieuses de l'histoire, approuvée par le pape Innocent IV en 1253. Elle mourut le 11 août 1253 et fut canonisée en 1255. Sa fête est célébrée le 11 août et elle est patronne de la télévision.

Le Couvent de Sainte-Claire de Zarautz fut fondé en 1611 par María Ana de Zarauz y Gamboa, qui entra en clôture avec ses deux filles. Il devint le premier couvent de Clarisses établi en Gipuzkoa. La construction eut lieu entre 1618 et 1625 en pierre de taille, formant un ensemble d'église, couvent et vergers. Il fut endommagé par les Français en 1794 et restauré en 1985. Aujourd'hui, il représente une oasis de paix au centre-ville, suivant l'esprit et la règle de sainte Claire.

Santa Chiara d'Assisi e il Convento di Zarautz

Santa Chiara d'Assisi (1194-1253) nacque il 16 luglio 1194 in una famiglia nobile di Assisi, Italia. La notte della Domenica delle Palme del 1212, all'età di 18 anni, rinunciò a tutti i suoi beni per amore di Cristo e si recò al Monastero di San Damiano per consacrarsi a Dio. Fu discepola di San Francesco d'Assisi e fondò l'ordine delle Clarisse, basato sulla povertà assoluta. Scrisse la prima regola per religiose della storia, approvata da Papa Innocenzo IV nel 1253. Morì l'11 agosto 1253 e fu canonizzata nel 1255. La sua festa si celebra l'11 agosto ed è patrona della televisione.

Il Convento di Santa Chiara di Zarautz fu fondato nel 1611 da María Ana de Zarauz y Gamboa, che entrò in clausura con le sue due figlie. Divenne il primo convento di Clarisse stabilito in Gipuzkoa. La costruzione avvenne tra il 1618 e il 1625 in pietra bugnata, formando un complesso di chiesa, convento e frutteti. Fu danneggiato dai francesi nel 1794 e restaurato nel 1985. Oggi rappresenta un'oasi di pace nel centro della città, seguendo lo spirito e la regola di Santa Chiara.

阿西西圣克拉拉与萨劳茨修道院

阿西西圣克拉拉（1194-1253）于1194年7月16日出生在意大利阿西西的一个贵族家庭。1212年圣枝主日夜，18岁的她因对基督的爱而放弃了所有财产，前往圣达米安修道院将自己献给上帝。她是阿西西圣方济各的门徒，创立了以绝对贫困为基础的克拉丽莎修女会。她写下了历史上第一部女修道院规则，于1253年获得教皇英诺森四世批准。她于1253年8月11日去世，1255年被册封为圣人。她的庆日是8月11日，是电视的主保圣人。

萨劳茨圣克拉拉修道院由玛丽亚·安娜·德·萨劳茨·伊·甘博亚于1611年创建，她与两个女儿一起入住修道院过隐修生活。这成为吉普斯夸省第一座克拉丽莎修道院。修道院建于1618至1625年间，采用方石建造，形成了教堂、修道院和果园的建筑群。1794年被法国人破坏，1985年得到修复。如今它是镇中心宁静的绿洲，遵循着圣克拉拉的精神和规则。

アッシジの聖キアラとサラウツ修道院

アッシジの聖キアラ（1194-1253）は、1194年7月16日、イタリアのアッシジの貴族の家に生まれました。1212年の枝の主日の夜、18歳でキリストへの愛のために全財産を放棄し、神に身を捧げるためサン・ダミアン修道院に向かいました。アッシジの聖フランチェスコの弟子であり、絶対的貧困に基づくクララ会を創設しました。歴史上初の女子修道会規則を著し、1253年に教皇インノケンティウス4世により承認されました。1253年8月11日に亡くなり、1255年に列聖されました。祝日は8月11日で、テレビの守護聖人です。

サラウツのサンタ・クララ修道院は、1611年にマリア・アナ・デ・サラウツ・イ・ガンボアによって設立され、彼女は二人の娘と共に修道院生活に入りました。ギプスコア県初のクララ会修道院となりました。1618年から1625年にかけて切石で建設され、教会、修道院、果樹園の複合施設を形成しました。1794年にフランス軍により被害を受け、1985年に修復されました。現在は町の中心部にある平和のオアシスとなっており、聖キアラの精神と規則に従っています。

St. Joseph's Provincial House, located in Latham, New York is the center and headquarters of the Albany Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. www.csjalbany.org/index.cfm/ProvincialHouse/

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this large stone mosaic of the Risen Christ behind the altar of the St. Joseph's Provincial House Chapel is the largest indoor stone mosaic in the United States

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image by Photo George

copyright ©2016 GCheatle

all rights reserved

locator: GAC_9641 B

St. Joseph's Provincial House, located in Latham, New York is the center and headquarters of the Albany Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. www.csjalbany.org/index.cfm/ProvincialHouse/

++ ++ ++ ++ ++

image by Photo George

copyright ©2016 GCheatle

all rights reserved

locator: GAC_9652

Among the ruins of Neath Abbey on a cool spring day.

The substantial remains of Neath Abbey, outside the modern day South Wales town of the same name, were once the site of the largest abbey in Wales.

Built by the Savigniac Monks in 1129AD on land given to them by Sir Richard de Granville, it was taken over by the Cistercians in 1147.

The site was ravaged by the Welsh uprisings of the 13th century and eventually dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1539, after which it became a large personal estate.

The ruins were excavated in the 1920s and are now in the care of CADW. They are open to the public, as well as being used by TV companies as a film set. They have featured in such shows as Dr Who.

Valle Crucis Abbey reflected in the small pond at its rear.

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.

Step into the heart of Antigua, Guatemala, where history and architecture intertwine to tell tales of a bygone era. The city’s skyline is graced by the majestic ruins of Iglesia El Carmen and the enduring San Juan de Dios Convent, each a testament to the resilience and beauty of Spanish colonial architecture.

Iglesia El Carmen, with its partially crumbled yet captivating façade, invites you to explore its 17th-century origins. This baroque-style church, once a beacon of faith and community, now stands as a poignant reminder of Antigua’s tumultuous past. The intricate stucco work that adorns its façade, though weathered by time, still hints at the grandeur that once was. Walking through its surviving arches, one can almost hear the echoes of centuries-old prayers and the bustling life that once filled its halls.

Just a stone’s throw away, the San Juan de Dios Convent offers a glimpse into the city’s colonial history. Established in 1636, this convent originally served as a hospital and a place of worship. Its robust stone columns and spacious courtyards are designed to withstand the frequent earthquakes that have shaped Antigua’s landscape. The convent’s architecture, with its ornate wooden doors and cobblestone pathways, speaks of a time when craftsmanship and durability were paramount.

Both Iglesia El Carmen and San Juan de Dios Convent are more than just historical landmarks; they are storytellers. Their walls, marked by volcanic eruptions and seismic activity, stand resilient, offering a window into the past. As you wander through these sites, let your imagination transport you to a time when horse-drawn carriages clattered over cobblestones and the air was filled with the scent of incense and the sound of fervent prayers.

Inside the remains of Valle Crucis Abbey.

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.

Among the ruins of Neath Abbey on a cool spring day.

The substantial remains of Neath Abbey, outside the modern day South Wales town of the same name, were once the site of the largest abbey in Wales.

Built by the Savigniac Monks in 1129AD on land given to them by Sir Richard de Granville, it was taken over by the Cistercians in 1147.

The site was ravaged by the Welsh uprisings of the 13th century and eventually dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1539, after which it became a large personal estate.

The ruins were excavated in the 1920s and are now in the care of CADW. They are open to the public, as well as being used by TV companies as a film set. They have featured in such shows as Dr Who.

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 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.

St. Joseph's Provincial House, located in Latham, New York is the center and headquarters of the Albany Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. www.csjalbany.org/index.cfm/ProvincialHouse/

++ ++ ++ ++ ++

image by Photo George

copyright ©2016 GCheatle

all rights reserved

locator: GAC_9637

Among the ruins of Neath Abbey on a cool spring day.

The substantial remains of Neath Abbey, outside the modern day South Wales town of the same name, were once the site of the largest abbey in Wales.

Built by the Savigniac Monks in 1129AD on land given to them by Sir Richard de Granville, it was taken over by the Cistercians in 1147.

The site was ravaged by the Welsh uprisings of the 13th century and eventually dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1539, after which it became a large personal estate.

The ruins were excavated in the 1920s and are now in the care of CADW. They are open to the public, as well as being used by TV companies as a film set. They have featured in such shows as Dr Who.

Among the ruins of Neath Abbey on a cool spring day.

The substantial remains of Neath Abbey, outside the modern day South Wales town of the same name, were once the site of the largest abbey in Wales.

Built by the Savigniac Monks in 1129AD on land given to them by Sir Richard de Granville, it was taken over by the Cistercians in 1147.

The site was ravaged by the Welsh uprisings of the 13th century and eventually dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1539, after which it became a large personal estate.

The ruins were excavated in the 1920s and are now in the care of CADW. They are open to the public, as well as being used by TV companies as a film set. They have featured in such shows as Dr Who.

Valle Crucis Abbey reflected in the small pond at its rear.

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.

St. Joseph's Provincial House, located in Latham, New York is the center and headquarters of the Albany Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. www.csjalbany.org/index.cfm/ProvincialHouse/

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image by Photo George

copyright ©2016 GCheatle

all rights reserved

locator: GAC_9640

Among the ruins of Neath Abbey on a cool spring day.

The substantial remains of Neath Abbey, outside the modern day South Wales town of the same name, were once the site of the largest abbey in Wales.

Built by the Savigniac Monks in 1129AD on land given to them by Sir Richard de Granville, it was taken over by the Cistercians in 1147.

The site was ravaged by the Welsh uprisings of the 13th century and eventually dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1539, after which it became a large personal estate.

The ruins were excavated in the 1920s and are now in the care of CADW. They are open to the public, as well as being used by TV companies as a film set. They have featured in such shows as Dr Who.

Among the ruins of Neath Abbey on a cool spring day.

The substantial remains of Neath Abbey, outside the modern day South Wales town of the same name, were once the site of the largest abbey in Wales.

Built by the Savigniac Monks in 1129AD on land given to them by Sir Richard de Granville, it was taken over by the Cistercians in 1147.

The site was ravaged by the Welsh uprisings of the 13th century and eventually dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1539, after which it became a large personal estate.

The ruins were excavated in the 1920s and are now in the care of CADW. They are open to the public, as well as being used by TV companies as a film set. They have featured in such shows as Dr Who.

St. Joseph's Provincial House, located in Latham, New York is the center and headquarters of the Albany Province of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet. www.csjalbany.org/index.cfm/ProvincialHouse/

++ ++ ++ ++ ++

image by Photo George

copyright ©2016 GCheatle

all rights reserved

locator: GAC_9637 A

Among the ruins of Neath Abbey on a cool spring day.

The substantial remains of Neath Abbey, outside the modern day South Wales town of the same name, were once the site of the largest abbey in Wales.

Built by the Savigniac Monks in 1129AD on land given to them by Sir Richard de Granville, it was taken over by the Cistercians in 1147.

The site was ravaged by the Welsh uprisings of the 13th century and eventually dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1539, after which it became a large personal estate.

The ruins were excavated in the 1920s and are now in the care of CADW. They are open to the public, as well as being used by TV companies as a film set. They have featured in such shows as Dr Who.

Among the ruins of Neath Abbey on a cool spring day.

The substantial remains of Neath Abbey, outside the modern day South Wales town of the same name, were once the site of the largest abbey in Wales.

Built by the Savigniac Monks in 1129AD on land given to them by Sir Richard de Granville, it was taken over by the Cistercians in 1147.

The site was ravaged by the Welsh uprisings of the 13th century and eventually dissolved by King Henry VIII in 1539, after which it became a large personal estate.

The ruins were excavated in the 1920s and are now in the care of CADW. They are open to the public, as well as being used by TV companies as a film set. They have featured in such shows as Dr Who.

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.