Cwmhir Abbey facts for kids
Cwmhir Abbey (which is Abaty Cwm Hir in Welsh) is an old Cistercian monastery. It is located near Llandrindod Wells in Powys, Wales. This important Welsh abbey was started in 1176 by a Welsh leader named Cadwallon ap Madog.
Some old stories wrongly said the abbey began earlier, in 1143, by Meredudd ap Maelgwn. It seems the abbey might have moved from an earlier spot called Ty-faenor. However, Maredudd ap Maelgwn was a prince much later, around 1215. A document from 1215 caused this confusion about the founding date.
Contents
Exploring Cwmhir Abbey's Past
How Cwmhir Abbey Began
The abbey was founded by Cadwallon ap Madog, who was the lord of a Welsh area called Maelienydd. Sadly, he was killed by an English knight, Sir Roger Mortimer of Wigmore, in 1179. Mortimer later became the lord of Maelienydd himself.
Challenges and Conflicts
After Cadwallon's death, the abbey faced many problems. This was due to a long-lasting conflict between Cadwallon's family and the Mortimers. The powerful princes of Gwynedd supported the monastery.
However, English soldiers attacked the abbey's farms twice in the 1200s. In 1231, the abbot (the head monk) was even fined a large amount of money. This was because he helped the Welsh leader Llywelyn ab Iorwerth against English forces.
A Prince's Burial Place
A very important event happened at the abbey in December 1282. Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, who was the last native Prince of Wales from a direct royal line, was buried here. He had been killed in battle nearby.
Building Plans and Difficulties
In the early 1200s, there were big plans to build a huge and impressive abbey church. It was meant to be as grand as many cathedrals! This project was likely started by Prince Llywelyn ab Iorwerth.
However, the building work stopped after only the main part of the church, called the nave, was finished. The constant political problems and social unrest likely caused this. The abbey's fortunes got even worse during the uprising led by Owain Glyndŵr starting in 1401. The monastery was originally planned for 60 monks, but by the time it closed, only three monks lived there.
The Abbey's End and What Remains
The Dissolution of the Monasteries
Cwmhir Abbey was closed down in 1536. This was part of a big event called the Dissolution of the Monasteries in England and Wales. After it closed, the land and buildings became the property of the Fowler family. They built a house on the site of the old abbey.
Damage During the Civil War
In 1644, during the English Civil War, the house and any parts of the monastery that were still standing were badly damaged or destroyed. What little is left of the abbey was uncovered in the 1800s.
Today, you can visit the ruins. Only small parts of the church's main hall (the nave) are still visible. There is also a modern stone slab marking the burial place of Llywelyn ap Gruffudd, the Prince of Wales, who died in 1282. The ruined abbey is a special historical building, listed as Grade II*.
Abbey Stones in Llanidloes
Interestingly, some parts of the old abbey church were moved. In the parish church of St Idloes in Llanidloes, you can see 13th-century arches and other features. People believe these were taken from Cwmhir Abbey in 1542 and rebuilt there.
See also
- Abbeys and priories in Wales
- Abbey Cwmhir Hall
- Abbeycwmhir
