Talley Abbey facts for kids
Talley Abbey (Welsh: Abaty Talyllychau) is a ruined old monastery in the village of Talley in Carmarthenshire, Wales. It is about 10 kilometers (6 miles) north of the town of Llandeilo. This abbey was once home to a group of monks called the Premonstratensians. They were also known as the "White Canons."
The abbey is located in the peaceful River Cothi valley. You can visit the site for free. An organization called Cadw takes care of the ruins today.
The Story of Talley Abbey
The Premonstratensian Order of monks started in 1120. By 1126, the Pope approved their order. Soon, they had many monasteries across Europe. By the mid-1300s, there were about 1,300 monasteries for men and 400 for women.
These monks came to England around 1143. Their first monastery was at Newhouse in Lincoln. Before King Henry VIII closed down many monasteries, there were 35 Premonstratensian houses in England. They also built monasteries in Scotland, like Dryburgh Abbey.
What Talley Abbey Looks Like
Rhys ap Gruffydd, a Welsh prince, founded this monastery around 1185. Today, Cadw looks after the site.
Near the abbey ruins, there are two lakes. These lakes were very important for the monks. They used them for fish farming to help feed everyone in the monastery.
The abbey was closed down by King Henry VIII a long time ago. After it was closed, villagers used stones from the abbey to build parts of the village you see today. They even used the stones to build the chapel next to the abbey.
The ruined tower of the abbey is surrounded by steep, wooded hills. You can reach it by following a winding lane from the main road. There are signs to help you find it easily.
In the past, the village of Talley was much bigger. Its name, "Tal-y-llychau," means "the head of the lakes." This refers to the two large pools near the church. The church itself was rebuilt in 1773, using many stones from the old abbey.
