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List of monastic houses in Wales facts for kids

Kids Encyclopedia Facts

List of monastic houses in Wales is a catalogue of abbeys, priories, friaries and other monastic religious houses in Wales.

In this article, alien houses are included, as are smaller establishments such as cells and notable monastic granges (particularly those with resident monks), and also camerae of the military orders of monks (Templars and Hospitallers). The numerous monastic hospitals per se are not included here unless at some time the foundation had, or was purported to have, the status or function of an abbey, priory, friary, preceptory or commandery.

The geographical co-ordinates provided are sourced from details provided by Ordnance Survey publications.

Overview

Article layout

Communities/provenance: this column shows the status and communities existing at each establishment, together with such dates as have been established as well as the fate of the establishment after dissolution, and the current status of the site.

Formal Name or Dedication: this column shows the formal name of the establishment or the person in whose name the church is dedicated, where known.

Alternative Names: some of the establishments have had alternative names over the course of time. In order to assist in text-searching such alternatives in name or spelling have been provided.

Abbreviations and key

The sites listed are ruins unless indicated thus:
* indicates current monastic function
+ indicates current non-monastic ecclesiastic function (including remains incorporated into later structure)
^ indicates current non-ecclesiastic function (including remains incorporated into later structure)
$ indicates remains limited to earthworks etc.
# indicates no identifiable trace of the monastic foundation remains
~ indicates exact site of monastic foundation unknown

Locations with names in italics indicate probable duplication (misidentification with another location)
or non-existent foundations (either erroneous reference or proposed foundation never implemented).

Trusteeship denoted as follows:
Cadw Cadw — Welsh Historic Monuments

List of establishments by county

Anglesey

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
OnLine references & location
Caergybi Monastery Celtic monks
founded 6th century (380) by St Cybi (St Kebius);
Secular canons collegiate 12th century?;
dissolved c.1547;
ecclesiastical college built on site; granted to Francis Morrice 1609
Holyhead Monastery;
Caer Gybi Monastery
53°18′41″N 4°37′57″W / 53.3114548°N 4.6325022°W / 53.3114548; -4.6325022 (Caergybi Monastery)
Llanfaes Friary Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual (under the Custody of Worcester)
founded c.1237–45 by Llywelyn ab Iorwerth, Prince of Gwynedd and Wales;
dissolved 1538


53°16′41″N 4°05′31″W / 53.2779425°N 4.0918493°W / 53.2779425; -4.0918493 (Llanfaes Friary)
Llanfechell Clas Celtic monastery
founded by St Machudd (Mechell)
Llangaffo Clas Celtic monastery
founded (at an early date) by St Caffo;
dissolved 13th century


53°11′28″N 4°19′38″W / 53.1910222°N 4.3272614°W / 53.1910222; -4.3272614 (Llangaffo Clas)
Penmon Priory PenmonPriory.JPG Celtic monks
founded 6th century, reputedly by St Seiriol
destroyed in raids by the Danes;
subsequently rebuilt;
Augustinian Canons Regular
(Benedictine monks?)
re-founded 1221 by Llywelyn Fawr, Prince of Gwynedd
dissolved. c.1564; granted to John Moore
Glannagh Priory


53°18′20″N 4°03′25″W / 53.3056853°N 4.0569109°W / 53.3056853; -4.0569109 (Penmon Priory)
Ynys Lannog Cell Celtic monastery
founded 6th century by St Seiriol;
Augustinian Canons Regular
dependent on Penmon
founded 1237–1414;
dissolved 1536?
Priestholme Cell;
Puffin Island Cell


53°19′15″N 4°01′18″W / 53.3209086°N 4.0215486°W / 53.3209086; -4.0215486 (Ynys Lannog (Puffin Island) — Priestholm Cell)

Bridgend

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
On-line references & location
Ewenny Priory – St Michael (?) apparent early priory founded by John Lou[n]dres; St Michael?
Ewenny Priory Ewenny Priory Church.jpg Benedictine monks
cell dependent on Gloucester, Gloucestershire;
founded before 1141, granted to Gloucester by Maurice, of London;
dissolved 1540 (1536); granted (leased) to Sir Edward Carn, who purchased it in 1545;
(Cadw)
St Michael
____________________
Ogmore Priory;
Wenny Priory


51°29′20″N 3°34′04″W / 51.4888723°N 3.5678208°W / 51.4888723; -3.5678208 (Ewenny Priory)

Cardiff

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
OnLine references & location
Cardiff Blackfriars Cardiff Blackfriars, Bute Park, Cardiff (3).jpg Dominican Friars (under the Visitation of Oxford)
founded before 1242;
dissolved 1538


51°29′00″N 3°11′08″W / 51.483455°N 3.1855389°W / 51.483455; -3.1855389 (Cardiff Blackfriars)
Cardiff Greyfriars Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual (under the Custody of Bristol)
founded before 1284;
dissolved 1538


51°29′01″N 3°10′45″W / 51.4836721°N 3.17915°W / 51.4836721; -3.17915 (Cardiff Greyfriars)
Cardiff Priory Benedictine monks
dependent on Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
founded before 1106(?), parish church of St Mary granted by Robert fitz Hamon and others;
dissolved 1403
The Blessed Virgin Mary

51°28′25″N 3°10′20″W / 51.4736158°N 3.1723397°W / 51.4736158; -3.1723397 (Cardiff Priory)
Cardiff Whitefriars Carmelite Friars —
considered doubtful, rejected
Llandaff Monastery Llandaff Cathedral (geograph 3435762 cropped).jpg Celtic monks
founded 6th century (522) by St Dubricius;
secular collegiate
episcopal diocesan cathedral
founded 1107; restored 18th & 19th century; extant
Llandaffe Monastery

51°29′45″N 3°13′04″W / 51.495731°N 3.2177952°W / 51.495731; -3.2177952 (Llandaff Monastery - now Cathedral)

Carmarthenshire

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
OnLine references & location
Bachannis Monastery purportedly founded c.513 by St Piro
Carmarthen Greyfriars Franciscan Friars Minor, Conventual (under the Custody of Bristol);
founded before 1284;
dissolved 1538; granted to Sir Thomas Gresham 1551/2;
site now occupied by Greyfriars shopping centre
Caermarthen Friary

51°51′21″N 4°18′33″W / 51.8557943°N 4.3090761°W / 51.8557943; -4.3090761 (Carmarthen Blackfriars)
Carmarthen Clas Celtic monks
founded 6th century by St Dewi;
dissolved c.1120;
Benedictine priory (later Augustinian) established on site (see immediately below)
Llandeulyddog

51°51′29″N 4°18′01″W / 51.858087°N 4.3002436°W / 51.858087; -4.3002436 (Carmarthen Clas)
Carmarthen Priory Benedictine monks
St Peter's church granted by Henry I on site of Celtic clas (see immediately above);
cell of Battle, Sussex;
independent priory;
monks induced to leave 1125 in order to found an Augustinian establishment;
Augustinian Canons Regular — Arroasian(?)
founded before 1127 by King Henry I;
dissolved 1536; granted to Richard Andrews and Nicholas Temple 1543/4
The Priory Church of Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Teulyddog, Carmarthen
____________________
Caermarthen Priory
Kidwelly Priory St Mary's Church, Kidwelly - geograph.org.uk - 58886.jpg Benedictine monks — from Sherborne, Dorset
dependent on Sherborne;
founded 1114 (c.1130), site granted by Roger, Bishop of Sarum;
dissolved 1539
The Priory Church of Saint Mary, Kidwelly
now The Parish and Priory Church of Saint Mary, Kidwelly
____________________
Cydweli Priory;
Cadwell Priory


51°44′12″N 4°18′23″W / 51.7367977°N 4.3063241°W / 51.7367977; -4.3063241 (Kidwelly Priory)
Llanarthney Clas Celtic monks
founded 6th century? by St Dewi;
parochial from c.1220


51°51′42″N 4°07′47″W / 51.8616849°N 4.1297865°W / 51.8616849; -4.1297865 (Llanarthney Monastery)
Llandeilo Monastery Celtic monks
founded (in the time of St David) 6th century by St Teilo;
parochial? from c.1107
Llandeilo Fawr Monastery

51°52′54″N 3°59′35″W / 51.8817431°N 3.9929295°W / 51.8817431; -3.9929295 (Llandeilo Monastery)
Llandovery Priory Benedictine monks
cell dependent on Great Malvern, Worcestershire;
founded c.1110 by the Cliffords, church granted by Richard fitz Pons before 1126;
dissolved c.1185 due to misconduct of the monks
dedication unknown

51°59′42″N 3°47′44″W / 51.995048°N 3.7955832°W / 51.995048; -3.7955832 (Llandovery Priory)
St Clears Priory StClearsPriory.JPG Cluniac monks
founded 1147–84 (c.1100);
dissolved c.1414;
granted to All Souls College, Oxford;
church in parochial use from 1920
The Priory Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, Saint Clears

51°48′50″N 4°29′40″W / 51.8137936°N 4.4944409°W / 51.8137936; -4.4944409 (St Clears Priory)
Talley Abbey TalleyAbbey.JPG Celtic monks
clas founded before 1066;
Premonstratensian Canons
daughter house of St-Jean, Amiens, France
founded c.1184-9 (1197), credited to Lord Rhys Gruffydd Price (Rhys ap Tewdwr, Rhese Griffith Price);
dissolved c.1536(?) and retained by the Crown;
(Cadw)
The Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint John the Baptist
____________________
Abaty Talyllychau;
Tallagh Abbey;
Tallesch;
Tallach


51°58′36″N 3°59′31″W / 51.9766612°N 3.992039°W / 51.9766612; -3.992039 (Talley Abbey)
Whitland Abbey WhitlandAbbey.JPG Cistercian monks — from Treffgarn
daughter house of Clairvaux;
(community sent to West Wales from Clairvaux 16 September 1140, temporarily settled at Treffgarn 1144 by Bernard, Bishop of St Davids)
founded here c.1151;
dissolved 1539; granted to Henry Audley and John Cordel 1544
The Blessed Virgin Mary
____________________
Albalanda Abbey;
'Abelanda' Abbey;
Ty Gwyn ar Daf


51°50′01″N 4°36′03″W / 51.8334737°N 4.6008736°W / 51.8334737; -4.6008736 (Whitland Abbey)

Ceredigion

Foundation Image Communities and provenance Formal name or dedication
and alternative names
On-line references and location
Cardigan Priory CardiganPriory.JPG Benedictine monks
priory cell dependent on Gloucester, Gloucestershire;
founded c.1110–15;
priory cell dependent on Chertsey, Surrey after 1165 (before 1158?);
dissolved 1538; granted to Bisham, Berkshire and subsequently to William and Mary Cavendish 1539/40;
converted into a mansion;
opened as Cardigan District and Memorial Hospital 1922
The Priory Church of Our Lady of Cardigan


____________________
Cardigan Cell



52°04′58″N 4°39′21″W / 52.0827236°N 4.6557972°W / 52.0827236; -4.6557972 (Cardigan Priory)
Llanbadarn Fawr Priory EglwysSantPadarn LlanbadarnFawr.jpg Celtic monks
founded 6th century;
destroyed before 1100;
Benedictine monks
cell dependent on Gloucester;
church of St Paternus granted to Gloucester by Gilbert fitz Richard 1111;
founded c.1116-7;
lost from Gloucester 1136;
secular collegiate
refounded before 1144;
dissolved ?c.1361-2
The Priory Church of Saint Padarn, Llanbadarn Fawr
St Paternus


52°24′33″N 4°03′40″W / 52.4091049°N 4.0609905°W / 52.4091049; -4.0609905 (Llanbadarn Fawr Priory)
Llanddewi-brefi Clas monks
founded 6th century by St David;
secular collegiate
founded 1287 (1187) by Thomas Beck, Bishop of St David's;
dissolved c.1547
St David
____________________
Llandewi-brevi
Llanllyr Priory Cistercian nuns
founded c.1180 (before 1197) by Rhees ap Gruffydd, Lord Rhys;
dissolved 1536; granted to William Sackville and John Dudley 1553;
site currently on privately owned land
The Blessed Virgin Mary
____________________
Llanleir Priory;
Llanllŷr;
Lanfer;
Laller;
Lanter;
Llanweir


52°10′59″N 4°08′01″W / 52.1830798°N 4.1336604°W / 52.1830798; -4.1336604 (Llanllyr Priory)
Strata Florida Abbey DSCN4297-strata-florida-arch.JPG Cistercian monks
daughter house of Whitland, Carmarthenshire;
transferred from earlier foundation of Strata Florida at Yr Hen Fynachlog (see immediately below)
founded 1184 by Rhys ap Gruffydd;
dissolved 1539; granted to the Stedman family;
(Cadw)
The Blessed Virgin Mary

52°16′31″N 3°50′18″W / 52.2754053°N 3.8383269°W / 52.2754053; -3.8383269 (Strata Florida Abbey)
Yr Hen Fynachlog (Strata Florida, earlier site) Cistercian monks — from Whitland, Carmarthenshire
founded 1 June 1164 by Robert fitzStephen;
transferred to new site at Strata Florida (see immediately above) after 1184
The Blessed Virgin Mary
____________________
'The Old Monastery'


52°15′55″N 3°52′44″W / 52.2653964°N 3.8787854°W / 52.2653964; -3.8787854 (Yr Hen Fynachlog)
Yspyty-Ystwyth Cistercian monks
grange and supposed hospice dependent on Strata Florida;
founded c.1180(?)
The Blessed Virgin Mary

Conwy

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
On-line references & location
Aberconwy Abbey + AberconwyAbbey.JPG Cistercian monks
daughter house of Strata Florida;
(community founded at Rhedynog-felen 24 (27) July 1186);
transferred here 1190 (before 1200) by Llywelyn Fawr of Gwynedd, removed from Rhedynog-felen, founded by Llewellvyn ab Iorwerth, becoming benefactor and patron before c.1200;
community transferred to new site at Maenan 1283;
church now in parochial use
The Abbey Church of Saint Mary and All Saints
____________________
Abaty Aberconwy;
Conway Abbey


53°16′50″N 3°49′44″W / 53.2806864°N 3.8288936°W / 53.2806864; -3.8288936 (Aberconwy Abbey)
Abergele Clas Celtic monks
founded before 856
Maenan Abbey MaenanAbbey.JPG Cistercian monks — from Aberconwy
(community founded at Rhedynog-felen 24 (27) July 1186);
transferred here 1283 after forced move by order of Edward I;
dissolved c.1538; granted to Elezeus Wynne (the Wynne family) 1562/3;
in ownership of William Frederick;
site now occupied by hotel and grounds
The Abbey Church of Saint Mary and All Saints
____________________
Abaty Maenan;
Maynan Abbey


53°10′28″N 3°48′45″W / 53.1744632°N 3.8124087°W / 53.1744632; -3.8124087 (Maenan Abbey)
Gwytherin Nunnery Celtic nuns
connected with St Winefride
Witheriac Nunnery
Ysbyty Ifan Preceptory Knights Hospitaller
founded c.1190;
united with Halston, Shropshire 1294; in use 1338 but no longer housed a community;
dissolution unknown
Ysbyty Ifan;
Dol Gynwal Preceptory


53°01′21″N 3°43′30″W / 53.0224506°N 3.7250519°W / 53.0224506; -3.7250519 (Ysbyty Ifan Preceptory)

Denbighshire

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
On-line references & location
Denbigh Friary DenbighFriary.jpg Carmelite Friars
founded 1343–50 (or before 1289?);
dissolved 1538
St Mary
____________________
Henllan Friary


53°11′16″N 3°24′33″W / 53.1878385°N 3.4090528°W / 53.1878385; -3.4090528 (Denbigh Friary)
Llandrillo Clas Celtic monks
church of St Teilo founded 7th century;
under abbot 9th century to c.1150;
parochial ? from after 1276
Llanynys Clas Celtic monks
founded 6th century (SS Mor and Saeran);
clas under abbot until 15th century
Rhuddlan Friary Dominican Friars (under the visitation of Oxford)
founded before 1258;
dissolved 1538; granted to Henry ap Harry 1540/1
Rhudland Friary;
Rhudlan
Ruthin Priory Bonshommes Canons
founded 1310 by John de Grey, Lord of Dyffryn;
dissolved 1535; granted to William Winlove and John Stevens 1550/1;
wall fragment remains to northwest of collegiate church


53°06′57″N 3°18′41″W / 53.1157611°N 3.3112594°W / 53.1157611; -3.3112594 (Ruthin Priory)
Ruthin Whitefriars Carmelite Friars —
considered most doubtful
St Asaph Monastery St Asaph Cathedral.JPG Celtic monks
founded c.mid-6th century by St Asaph (Hassaph);
secular collegiate
episcopal diocesan cathedral
founded 1143; extant


53°15′26″N 3°26′31″W / 53.257222°N 3.441944°W / 53.257222; -3.441944 (St Asaph Monastery - now Cathedral)
Vale of Clwyd Monastery purportedly founded by St Elerius (Elwy) Clwyd Valley Monastery
Valle Crucis Abbey ValleCrucisAbbey Interior Crossing&EastFront.JPG Cistercian monks — from Strata Marcella
founded 28 January 1201 by Madog ap Gruffydd Maelor, Prince of Powys at the instance of the abbots of Whitland, Strata Florida, Strata Marcella and Cwmhir;
dissolved 1536/7 and granted to Sir William Pickering
granted to Edward Wotton c.1611;
(Cadw)
The Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Valle Crucis
____________________
Abaty Glyn y Groes;
Abaty Glyn Egwestl;
De Valle Crucis Llanegwast


52°59′20″N 3°11′11″W / 52.9888507°N 3.1865099°W / 52.9888507; -3.1865099 (Valle Crucis Abbey)

Flintshire

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
On-line references & location
Basingwerk Abbey Aerial View of Basingwerk Abbey,.jpg Savignac monks — from Savigny
founded 11 July 1131 by Ranulph, Earl of Chester;
Cistercian monks
orders merged 17 September 1147;
dissolved 1535; granted to Henry ap Harry and Peter Mutton 1540/1;
briefly refounded under Queen Mary
(Cadw)
The Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
____________________
Abaty Dinas Basing


53°17′17″N 3°12′27″W / 53.2879457°N 3.2074794°W / 53.2879457; -3.2074794 (Basingwerk Priory)
Talacre Abbey Benedictine nuns
founded 1868;
transferred to Curzon, Cheshire, 1988


53°20′22″N 3°20′48″W / 53.339533°N 3.3466577°W / 53.339533; -3.3466577 (Talacre Abbey)

Gwynedd

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
On-line references & location
Aberdaron Clas Celtic monks — from Bardsey;
clas founded 6th century by St Hyrwyn, disciple of St Dubricius;
abbey 8th century;
secular collegiate to after 1252


52°48′19″N 4°42′42″W / 52.8052521°N 4.7117615°W / 52.8052521; -4.7117615 (Aberdaron Clas)
Bangor Blackfriars Dominican Friars (under the Visitation of Oxford)
founded before 1251 by Llywelyn ap Gruffydd;
purportedly enlarged/rebuilt 1299;
dissolved 1538; granted to Thomas Brown 1553;
converted into a Free School 1557


53°13′03″N 4°09′08″W / 53.2173985°N 4.1520917°W / 53.2173985; -4.1520917 (Bangor Blackfriars)
Bangor Monastery Bangor Cathedral from Bangor Mountain.jpg Celtic monks
founded 6th century;
secular collegiate
episcopal diocesan cathedral
founded c.1092; extant
The Cathedral Church of Saint Deniol, Bangor

53°13′35″N 4°07′38″W / 53.2264782°N 4.1273564°W / 53.2264782; -4.1273564 (Bangor Cathedral)
Bardsey Abbey Bardsey Island - St Mary's Abbey - 1040708 699ae9d1.jpg Culdee monks
founded c./before 516?;
Augustinian Canons Regular
founded before 1240 (c.1210) by Llywelyn the Great of Gwynedd;
dissolved c.1537; granted to John, Earl of Warwick 1549/50;
in ownership of Bardsey Island Trust, with public access
The Abbey of Saint Mary

52°45′52″N 4°47′15″W / 52.7643654°N 4.7875714°W / 52.7643654; -4.7875714 (Bardsey Abbey)
Beddgelert Priory St Mary's Church, Beddgelert - Wales.jpg Celtic monks
founded 6th/7th century;
Augustinian Canons Regular
founded c.1198 (c.1200–40) by Llywelyn the Great;
granted to the Carthusians at Chertsey, Surrey 1537;
dissolved with it 19 June 1538; granted to Lord Radnor by Henry VIII
The Priory Church of Saint Mary, Beddgelert

now The Priory and Parish Church of Saint Mary, Beddgelert
____________________
Bethkelert Priory;
Bekelert;
'the priory of the Valley St Mary of Snowdon(ia)'
&

53°00′40″N 4°06′06″W / 53.0110911°N 4.1016582°W / 53.0110911; -4.1016582 (Beddgelert Priory)
Clynnog Fawr Abbey Clynnog.JPG Celtic monks
founded c.616 by St Beuno;
dissolved before 1291;
Cistercian monks?
refounded 13th century;
secular collegiate
refounded before 1291;
dissolved 1547;
parochial church reputedly on site
Clynnog Fawr Monastery;
Clynnog-fawr Abbey


53°01′08″N 4°21′52″W / 53.0188623°N 4.3645763°W / 53.0188623; -4.3645763 (Clynnog Fawr)
Corwen Monastery Celtic monks
founded 6th–7th century;
dissolution unknown
Cymer Abbey Cymer Abbey.jpg Cistercian monks
daughter house of Cwm Hir;
founded 1198/9 by Gruffudd and Maredudd ap Cynan (or Llywelyn ab Iorwerth (Lleweline son of Gervase);
dissolved 1536;
(Cadw)
The Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Llanelltyd
____________________
Cymmer Abbey;
Mynachlog y Faner'
Kinner Abbey



52°45′30″N 3°53′46″W / 52.7583145°N 3.8961902°W / 52.7583145; -3.8961902 (Cymer Abbey)
Rhedynog-felen Abbey Cistercian monks
daughter house of Strata Florida
founded 27 (24) July 1186
removed to Aberconwy c.1190 (not later than 1192)
The Blessed Virgin Mary

53°05′36″N 4°17′38″W / 53.0933025°N 4.2940074°W / 53.0933025; -4.2940074 (Rhedynog felen)
St Tudwal's Island Monastery Celtic monks, Culdees
founded 6th century;
Augustinian Canons Regular
founded before 1417;
dissolved 1535(?)
Ynys Tudwal Monastery;
Modstedwall Monastery


52°48′19″N 4°27′38″W / 52.8051758°N 4.4605377°W / 52.8051758; -4.4605377 (St Tudwal's Island Monastery)
Towyn Clas Celtic monks — from Bardsey
founded 6th century by St Cadfan from Bardsey;
under an abbot 1147

Monmouthshire

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
On-line references & location
Abergavenny Priory + Priory Church of St Mary.jpg Benedictine monks
alien house: dependent on St-Vincent, Le Mans;
founded 1087–1100 by Hamelinus de Barham (Hamelin Balon);
became denizen: independent from 1415;
dissolved 1536;
church now in parochial use
The Priory Church of St Mary the Virgin, Abergavenny

51°49′17″N 3°00′56″W / 51.8213502°N 3.0154534°W / 51.8213502; -3.0154534 (Abergavenny Priory)
Caerwent Clas Celtic monks
founded c.6th century, patron St Tathan;
parochial from after 1066?
51°36′42″N 2°46′05″W / 51.6115477°N 2.7679968°W / 51.6115477; -2.7679968 (Caerwent Monastery)
Chepstow Priory + St Mary's Church, Chepstow.jpg Benedictine monks
alien house: daughter house of Cormeilles, Normandy (due to which, twin-town with Chepstow)
founded before 1071 (1072) by William FitzOsbern, Earl of Hereford;
became denizen: independent from c.1442;
dissolved 1536; masonry used for building, part of structure collapsed;
rebuilt; in use as parochial church
The Priory Church of Saint Mary, Chepstow
____________________
Striguil Priory;
Strogull Priory


51°38′34″N 2°40′20″W / 51.6426676°N 2.6722272°W / 51.6426676; -2.6722272 (Chepstow Priory)
Goldcliff Priory Newport wetlands - geograph.org,uk - 754834.jpg Benedictine monks
alien house: cell dependent on Bec Hellouin
founded 1113 by Robert de Chandos;
became denizen c.1414:
destroyed by flood 1424
cell dependent on Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire 1442 at suppression of alien houses
The Priory Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, Goldcliff


51°32′16″N 2°54′19″W / 51.5378874°N 2.9053044°W / 51.5378874; -2.9053044 (Goldcliff Priory)
Grace Dieu Abbey # Offa's Dyke Path near Hendre Farm - geograph.org.uk - 167886.jpg Cistercian monks — from Abbey Dore, Herefordshire
daughter house of Waverley, Surrey;
founded 24 April 1226 by Sir John of Monmouth;
apparently ruined in incursions by the Welsh 1233;
dissolved 1536; granted to Thomas Herbert and William Bretton 1545
The Blessed Virgin Mary

51°48′50″N 2°47′49″W / 51.814°N 2.797°W / 51.814; -2.797 (Grace Dieu Abbey)
Kemeys Commander Knights Templar
manor or camera;
Knights Hospitaller
member of Garway, Herefordshire
Kemeys Commandery;
Kemeys Preceptory


51°44′07″N 2°56′35″W / 51.735321°N 2.9430056°W / 51.735321; -2.9430056 (Kemeys Commander)
Llangua Priory Benedictine monks
alien house: dependent on Lyre
founded 1183, manor and church granted before 1183;
dissolved c.1420; granted to the Carthusians at Sheen, Surrey (London);
remains in
dedication unknown
____________________
Llangwyfan Priory


51°55′37″N 2°53′20″W / 51.9268405°N 2.8889869°W / 51.9268405; -2.8889869 (Llangua Priory)
Llanthony Priory LlanthonyPriory.JPG hermitage
founded between 1087 and 1100 by William, knight who became hermit here during the reign of William II);
joined by Ersinius, priest 1103, and others later, rebuilding an old church; consecrated and dedicated to John the Baptist 1108;
Augustinian Canons Regular
founded before 1108 by Hugh de Lacy;
became a cell dependent on Llanthony Secunda, Gloucestershire 1481 when monks transferred there due to hardships under the Welsh;
dissolved 1538 and granted to Nicholas Arnold;
purchased by Col. Sir Mark Wood, who converted buildings into a house; sold 1807 to Walter Savage Landor;
(Cadw)
The Priory Church of Saint John the Baptist, Llanthony
____________________
Llanhodenei Priory;
Lantony Priory;
Llanthony Prima;
Llanhodenei



51°56′41″N 3°02′10″W / 51.944614°N 3.036148°W / 51.944614; -3.036148 (Llanthony Priory)
Magor Grange Cistercian monks
alien house: grange dependent on Gloria Dei;
founded 1239;
became denizen: grange dependent on Tintern 1247
Monmouth Priory Monmouth Priory, Monmouth.JPG Benedictine monks
alien house: cell dependent on St-Florent-de-Saumur;
founded before 1086, church of St Cadoc and other endowments granted by Withenoc of Monmouth (Wihenoc de Monemue) who built St Mary's Priory;
became denizen: independent from 1415;
dissolved 1540; granted to Richard Price and Thomas Perry
The Priory Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Florent at Monmouth

51°48′47″N 2°42′50″W / 51.8131925°N 2.7139127°W / 51.8131925; -2.7139127 (Monmouth Priory)
Newport Friary Augustinian Friars (under the Limit of Oxford)
founded before 1377;
dissolved 1538


51°35′14″N 2°59′39″W / 51.5872799°N 2.9941829°W / 51.5872799; -2.9941829 (Newport Friary)
Newport Clas Celtic monks
founded 6th century, purportedly after 520 (located near the separate accommodations where St Woolos (GwynLlyw) and his wife Gwladys retired as hermits in old age)
St Kynemark Priory uncertain order
founded before 1291 (1270);
dissolved c.1535;
site currently within a residential housing estate
St Kenmercy;
Cynmarch;
Kingsmark


51°38′18″N 2°40′24″W / 51.6383349°N 2.67332°W / 51.6383349; -2.67332 (St Kynemark Priory)
Tintern Abbey Tintern Abbey 2007.jpg Savignac monks
daughter house of L'Aumône;
founded 9 May 1131 by Walter fitz Richard de Clare;
Cistercian monks
orders merged 17 September 1147;
dissolved 1539; granted to Henry, Earl of Worcester;
(Cadw)
The Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tintern
____________________
Abaty Tyndyrn


51°41′49″N 2°40′36″W / 51.6968108°N 2.6765281°W / 51.6968108; -2.6765281 (Tintern Abbey)
Usk Priory Benedictine nuns
founded c.1160 (before 1236) by Richard 'Strongbow' de Clare;
with regular priests or brethren until after 1330;
dissolved 1536; granted to Roger Williams 1544
The Priory Church of Saint Mary, Usk
____________________
Cairusk;
Brynbuga


51°42′09″N 2°54′00″W / 51.7025294°N 2.9000393°W / 51.7025294; -2.9000393 (Usk Priory)

Neath Port Talbot

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
On-line references & location
Margam Abbey + MargamAbbey.JPG Celtic monks
clas founded ?6th century;
Cistercian monks
daughter house of Clairvaux;
founded 21 November 1147 by Robert, Earl of Gloucester;
dissolved 1536; sold to Sir Rice Mansel (Sir Richard Moxell) who demolished much of it and built a mansion on the site;
now partly in parochial church use and partly in council ownership;
later in ownership of Thomas, Lord Mansel;
The Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Margam
____________________
Morgan Abbey



51°33′46″N 3°43′51″W / 51.5626937°N 3.7307677°W / 51.5626937; -3.7307677 (Margam Abbey)
Neath Abbey NeathAbbey.JPG Savignac monks
daughter house of Savigny
founded 25 October 1130 by Sir Richard de Granville (Grainville);
Cistercian monks 1147;
dissolved 1539; granted to Sir Richard Williams alias Cromwell
The Abbey Church of the Holy Trinity and the Blessed Virgin Mary, Neath
____________________
Neth Abbey


51°39′39″N 3°49′35″W / 51.6608451°N 3.8263509°W / 51.6608451; -3.8263509 (Neath Abbey)

Newport

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
On-line references & location
Bassaleg Priory Benedictine monks
cell dependent on Glastonbury, Somerset;
founded 1116 (1101), church of St Basilius granted to Glastonbury by Robert de Haya;
dissolved before 1252, Michael, Abbot of Glaston, let as farm
St Basil
____________________
Basaleg Priory;
Basselech;
Basele


51°34′42″N 3°03′16″W / 51.5782697°N 3.0544996°W / 51.5782697; -3.0544996 (Bessaleg Priory)
Malpas Priory Cluniac monks
alien house: cell of Montacute, Somerset;
founded before 1122 by Winibald de Caerleon (Winebald de Baeluns);
became denizen: independent from 1407;
dissolved 1539; granted to Sir William Herbert c.1547
St Mary
____________________
Malpas Cell


51°36′55″N 3°00′24″W / 51.6152186°N 3.0067778°W / 51.6152186; -3.0067778 (Malpas Priory)
Newport Friary Augustinian Friars (under the Limit of Oxford)
founded before 1377;
dissolved 1538


51°35′14″N 2°59′39″W / 51.5872799°N 2.9941829°W / 51.5872799; -2.9941829 (Newport Friary)
Newport Clas Celtic monks
founded 6th century, purportedly after 520 (located near the separate accommodations where St Woolos (GwynLlyw) and his wife Gwladys retired as hermits in old age)

Pembrokeshire

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
On-line references & location
Caldey Island Priory CaldeyIslandPriory.JPG Celtic monks — from Llantwit Major
founded late-5th century? (6th century), settlement possibly ended by raids by the Danes 10th century
Benedictine monks — from St Dogmaels
refounded after 1113–1115;
dissolved 1536
Caldey Cell;
Caldy Priory;
Ynys Pyr


51°38′04″N 4°41′17″W / 51.6344276°N 4.6880937°W / 51.6344276; -4.6880937 (Caldey Island Priory)
Caldey Abbey * CaldeyIslandAbbey.JPG Anglican Benedictine
purchased 1906 and built present abbey
converted to Catholicism 1913
sold due to financial difficulties 1925
Cistercian monks
founded 1926; extant


51°38′16″N 4°41′12″W / 51.6378403°N 4.6867472°W / 51.6378403; -4.6867472 (Caldey Island Abbey)
Haverfordwest Blackfriars HaverfordwestFriary Site.JPG Dominican Friars (under the Visitation of Oxford)
founded before 1246;
dissolved 1538
St Saviour

51°48′10″N 4°58′04″W / 51.8026442°N 4.9677542°W / 51.8026442; -4.9677542 (Haverfordwest Friary)
Haverfordwest Priory HaverfordwestPriory.JPG Augustinian Canons Regular
founded before 1200 by Robert of Haverford;
dissolved 1536; granted to Roger and Thomas Barlow c.1546
The Blessed Virgin Mary and St Thomas the Martyr
____________________
Haverford Priory


51°47′54″N 4°57′52″W / 51.7982785°N 4.9643826°W / 51.7982785; -4.9643826 (Haverfordwest Priory)
Monkton Priory MonktonPriory.JPG Benedictine monks
alien house: dependent on St-Martin, Séez;
founded 1098 by the Anulph de Montgomery, Earl of Pembroke, church of St Nicholas granted to Séez until 1441;
became denizen: granted to St Albans, Hertfordshire 1413;
dissolved after 1535; granted to John Vaughan c.1545
St Nicholas
____________________
Pembroke Priory;
Pembroke Cell


51°40′32″N 4°55′24″W / 51.6755891°N 4.9232°W / 51.6755891; -4.9232 (Monkton Priory)
Nevern Monastery Celtic monks
founded 5th century by St Brynach;
parochial from 1115
Penally Clas + Celtic monks
founded 6th century by St Teilo;
dissolved c.1100;
remains incorporated into Church in Wales parish church of SS Nicholas & Teilo


51°39′35″N 4°43′22″W / 51.6597586°N 4.7229087°W / 51.6597586; -4.7229087 (Penally Monastery)
Pill Priory PillPriory.JPG Tironensian monks
daughter house of St Dogmaels
founded after 1113–1115 (1200) by Adam de Rupe (Adam de Roche);
dissolved 1536; granted to Roger and Thomas Barlow c.1541
The Blessed Virgin Mary and St Budoc
____________________
Pille Priory;
Pilla Priory;
Hubberston Priory


51°43′28″N 5°02′30″W / 51.7245593°N 5.0416437°W / 51.7245593; -5.0416437 (Pill Priory)
Ramsey Island Monastery Celtic monks
St Dogmaels Abbey StDogmaelsAbbeyRemains.JPG Celtic monks
founded 6th century;
destroyed 987;
clas later;
Tironensian monks
alien house: daughter house of Tiron, Normandy
founded c.1113–15 by Robert fitzMartin;
raised to abbey status 1120;
dissolved 1536; granted to John Bradshaw
(Cadw)
The Blessed Virgin Mary and St Dogmael
____________________
St Dogmells Abbey;
Llandudoch Abbey


52°04′50″N 4°40′50″W / 52.0805082°N 4.6806264°W / 52.0805082; -4.6806264 (St Dogmaels Abbey)
Slebech Preceptory Knights Hospitaller
founded 1161–76, reputedly by Wizo and his son (or grandson) Walter; granted to Gloucester by Wizo;
dissolved before 1540; granted to Roger and Thomas Barlow
Slebagh Preceptory;
Slebach Preceptory


51°47′21″N 4°51′18″W / 51.7893004°N 4.854911°W / 51.7893004; -4.854911 (Slebech Preceptory)
Templeton Knights Templar
possibly small hostel or hospice;
founded before 1185(?);
dissolved before 1300; in private hands by the end of the 13th century
Tenby Whitefriars ? Carmelite Friars?
purportedly founded 1399;
Treffgarn Abbey Cistercian monks
daughter house of Clairvaux;
(community sent to West Wales from Clairvaux 16 September 1140);
founded c.1144, temporarily settled here by Bernard, Bishop of St Davids;
transferred to Whitland, Carmarthenshire 1151
The Blessed Virgin Mary

Powys

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
On-line references & location
Brecon Friary + Dominican Friars (under the Visitation of Oxford)
founded before 1269;
dissolved 1538;
church later college chapel founded 1541 by Henry VIII

51°56′48″N 3°23′43″W / 51.9465415°N 3.3953199°W / 51.9465415; -3.3953199 (Brecon Friary)
Brecon Cathedral Priory + Brecon Cathedral.JPG Benedictine monks
dependent on Battle, Sussex;
founded c.1110 by Bernard de Newmarch;
dissolved 1538; granted to John ap Price (ap Rice) by Henry VIII;
conventual church in use as diocesan cathedral
founded 1923; extant
The Priory Church of Saint John the Evangelist, Brecon

51°57′04″N 3°23′31″W / 51.9511953°N 3.3920288°W / 51.9511953; -3.3920288 (Brecon Cathedral Priory)
Cwmhir Abbey CwmhirAbbey.jpg Cistercian monks
daughter house of Whitland;
(apparent attempted foundation at Tyfaenor 22 July 1143);
founded here 1 August 1176 by Cadwallon ap Madog;
dissolved 1537; granted to Walter Henley and John Williams 1545/6
The Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Cwmhir
____________________
Cwmhyr Abbey;
Abbey-Cwmhir;
Cwm Hir Abbey;
Cumhire Abbey


52°19′47″N 3°23′15″W / 52.329845°N 3.3874744°W / 52.329845; -3.3874744 (Cwmhir Abbey)
Glascwm Clas Celtic monks
founded 6th century, believed by St David;
parochial from c.1200?
Glascomb
Glasbury Clas Celtic monks
founded 7th century, patron Cynidr (St Kenider);
parochial from c.1088
Llandinam Clas Celtic monks
founded 7th century by St Llonio;
under an abbot until c.1150;
parochial from after 1276?
Llangorse Clas Celtic monks
founded early-7th century;
parochial from before c.1100
St Paulinus
Llanguric Clas Celtic monks
founded early-6th century by St Curig (Cyriac);
clas until after 1175?
Llanllugan Abbey Cistercian nuns — from Strata Marcella
founded 1188 (before 1236) by Maredudd ap Rhobert, Lord of Cydewain;
dissolved 1536; granted to Sir Arthur Darcy
The Blessed Virgin Mary
____________________
Llanlugan Abbey


52°36′40″N 3°23′33″W / 52.6110159°N 3.3925116°W / 52.6110159; -3.3925116 (Llanllugan Abbey)
Llanrhaiadr ym mochnant Clas Celtic monks
founded 6th century by St Dogfan (Doewan);
clas to after 1291
Llansaintfraed in Elvel Priory Cistercian nuns
founded before 1174 by Enoch, first abbot of Strata Marcella;
dissolved before 1186(?)
The Blessed Virgin Mary
Llansilin Clas Celtic monks
foundation unknown;
dissolved 13th century
Meigod Clas Celtic monks
founded 6th century by St Tysilio;
clas until 1170 or 1201
St Harmon Clas Celtic monks
founded 6th century?, patron St Garmon;
clas to after 1066?
Strata Marcella, earlier site Cistercian monks
daughter house of Whitland
founded 22 July 1170 by Owain Cyfeiliog (Owen Keveliog);
transferred to new site (see immediately below) 10 July 1172
The Blessed Virgin Mary
Strata Marcella Abbey $ Cistercian monks
daughter house of Whitland & Buildwas, Shropshire;
(community founded at earlier site (see immediately above) 22 July 1170);
transferred here 10 July 1172;
dissolved 1536; granted to Rowland Howard and Thomas Dixton
The Blessed Virgin Mary
____________________
Ystrad Marchell;
Pola


52°41′11″N 3°06′31″W / 52.6862849°N 3.1085247°W / 52.6862849; -3.1085247 (Strata Marcella Abbey)
Tyfaenor Abbey (?) Cistercian monks — from Whitland
apparent unsuccessful attempted colonization;
founded 22 July 1143 by Cadwathelan;
trns to Cwmhir 1176
Dyvanner Abbey;
Ty-faenor

Rhondda Cynon Taf

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
On-line references & location
Pendar Grange Cistercian monks
grange dependent on Margam;
founded c.1147;
dependent on Llantarnam after 1179
Milton Camera Knights' camera

51°32′08″N 3°27′55″W / 51.5356585°N 3.4653711°W / 51.5356585; -3.4653711 (Milton Camera)
Penrhys Grange probably Cistercian monks
grange dependent on Llantarnam
possibly founded 1130/2 by Robert of Gloucester;
dissolved 1538;
masonry used in construction of later buildings
St Mary

51°38′40″N 3°25′52″W / 51.6444951°N 3.4311676°W / 51.6444951; -3.4311676 (Penrhys Grange)

Swansea

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
On-line references & location
Bishopston Monastery Benedictine monks
dependent on Llandeilo Fawr;
founded end of 6th century, patron St Teilo;
dissolved 1107?;
13th century church built on site
St Teilo
____________________
Llandeilo Ferwallt


51°35′06″N 4°03′14″W / 51.5850941°N 4.0539296°W / 51.5850941; -4.0539296 (Bishopston Monastery)
Llangenith Priory +? Benedictine monks
alien house: dependent on St-Taurinus, Evreux
founded before 1123 by Henry, Earl of Warwick;
dissolved c.1414; granted to the Warden and Fellows of All Souls College, Oxford;
present parochial church of St Cenydd on site was probably the priory chapel
St Cenydd
____________________
Llan-genydd Priory;
Llangennith;
Llangenydd


51°35′59″N 4°16′12″W / 51.5996603°N 4.2700768°W / 51.5996603; -4.2700768 (Llangenith Priory)
Llanmadog Knights Templar
founded 1156, granted by Margaret, Countess of Warwick;
manor later becoming a member of Garway, Herefordshire
Llangyfelach Clas Celtic monks
founded 6th century (in the time of St David) (St Cyvelach);
parochial from 13th century?

Torfaen

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
On-line references & location
Llantarnam Abbey Llantarnam Abbey Gateway (875484).jpg Cistercian monks
daughter house of Strata Florida
founded 1179 by Hywel ap Iorwerth; community name was changed from Caerleon 1273, possibly indicating relocation to a new site;
dissolved 1536 and leased to John Parker; later owned by the Morgan family; house built around cloister; re-built c.1830
The Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Llantarnam
____________________
Llanterna;
Vallium;
Dewma


51°37′51″N 2°59′45″W / 51.6307483°N 2.9956949°W / 51.6307483; -2.9956949 (Llantarnam Abbey)

Vale of Glamorgan

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
On-line references & location
Barry Island Monastery Celtic monks
cell? founded 6th–7th century
Llancarfan Monastery Celtic monks
founded early 500s by St Cadoc;
parochial from c.1100
Llancarvan Monastery
Llandough Clas Celtic monks
founded 6th century by Abbot Docguinni (Docgwin);
parochial from after 1107
Llantwit-Major Monastery Celtic monks
monastery and school;
founded c.478 (before 540?) by St Illtyd; continued to after 1100;
granted to Tewkesbury, Gloucestershire
Llanilltud fawr Monastery

Wrexham

Foundation Image Communities & provenance Formal name or dedication
& alternative names
On-line references & location
Bangor-is-y-coed Abbey traditionally founded earlier than 6th century;
abbey early 6th century

See also

kids search engine
List of monastic houses in Wales Facts for Kids. Kiddle Encyclopedia.