Grace Dieu Abbey, Monmouth facts for kids

Valley of the River Trothy looking across the fields that once belonged to the Abbey and more recently to Parc Grace Dieu parish. Parc Grace Dieu farm, near the approximate original site of the Abbey, is at the left edge of the picture

Grace Dieu Abbey was a small Cistercian abbey built in 1226. It was located near the town of Monmouth in southeast Wales. Today, you can't see any parts of its buildings above the ground.

The abbey was first built on the west side of the River Trothy. This was in a quiet countryside area, about 2 miles north of Dingestow village. However, the abbey had to move at least once. This happened after it was attacked by the Welsh. We are not completely sure where its final location was. But experts think it might have been in a field on the east side of the River Trothy. This is where it is shown on OS maps.

Founding Grace Dieu Abbey

The idea for Grace Dieu Abbey came from John of Monmouth. He asked for permission to build it in 1217. It was the very last Cistercian abbey to be built in Wales.

In 1226, a group of monks came from Dore Abbey. This was its "mother house," meaning it was the main abbey that helped start Grace Dieu. The abbey was dedicated to the Virgin Mary. This means it was named in her honor.

Life at the Abbey

Grace Dieu Abbey was always quite poor. Even so, it owned land on both sides of the River Wye. The abbey also had a special farm called a grange. This farm was known as Wyesham Grange or Beaulieu Grange. It was located east of Monmouth and is now called Beaulieu Farm.

Life at the abbey was not always peaceful. In 1232, the abbey was attacked by the Welsh. The very next year, it was completely destroyed. Because of this, the monks had to move the abbey from its first location in 1236.

King Henry III of England helped the monks. He gave them trees from Grosmont Forest and Seinfremy Wood in 1240 and again in 1253. These trees were likely used to rebuild or repair the abbey. The monks even tried to move the abbey again in 1276. Around 1291, the abbey's income was estimated to be about £18. This shows it didn't have a lot of money. In 1356, the abbey was allowed to use a special small chapel inside Monmouth Castle.

The End of the Abbey

Grace Dieu Abbey was closed down in 1536. This happened during a time called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. King Henry VIII ordered many monasteries and abbeys to be closed across England and Wales. This was done under a law called the Act of Suppression.