It is indeed a wonderfully romantic place, lying on the Welsh side of the winding valley of the River Wye between Chepstow and Monmouth. But it also has a fascinating history which is not often known to the many visitors who come here to enjoy its picturesque beauty.
The River Wye has been a major thoroughfare from the Roman times, and it is said that the Viking longships rowed up the river as far as Monmouth. With the roads in the area made difficult by the hilly terrain, in more recent centuries the Wye has been a busy commercial waterway carrying coal, wood, charcoal, iron ore, and stone, and there was regular trading with Bristol. Fishing has always been important, too, and at low tide various weirs become visible along the river which were built to trap fish.
During the mediaeval period there were prolonged struggles between Welsh Princes and English Kings, and a famous battle was won in by the Welsh Prince, Owain Glyndwr at Craig y Dorth about seven miles away on the southern outskirts of Monmouth.
The remains of some, including the guesthouse, have been exposed to the west of the church, between the car park and the main road. The arch of the water-gate leading to wharves and a ferry over the river remains next to the Anchor Hotel, and the gatehouse chapel, clearly visible above the main road, has been converted into a private house. Sections of the precinct wall remain on the west and south, parts in a ruinous state, parts incorporated into garden walls.
I n the Black Death swept the country and, although we have no direct evidence for its impact on Tintern, the effects are clear. It became almost impossible to attract new recruits for the lay brotherhood.
Widespread changes in the economy, with feudal service giving way to a system based on wages, were increased by labor shortages following the plague. At the grange of Merthyrgeryn in most of the area formerly worked by lay brothers had been leased out to tenants. The Dissolution of the Monasteries was part of the king's policy to establish total control over the church in his realm. But in addition to severing links with Rome, their suppression was a considerable source wealth to the crown.
Even so, the brutal demise of some religious houses between and was a major step, perhaps made easier by a changing tide of opinion against the monasteries and what they stood for. Certainly, by the time of the Tudor dynasty , much of the freshness and vigour of the monastic way of life had been lost.
W hen it became fashionable to visit wilder parts of the country in the late 18th century, the Wye valley became renowned for its picturesque qualities, and Tintern Abbey, then swathed in ivy, was rediscovered and visited by many famous seekers after the romantic and picturesque, including the painter J M W Turner and poet William Wordsworth. Since the early 20th century every effort has been made to keep standing one of the finest and most complete abbey churches in Wales.
Return to the main Abbeys of Wales page to learn more about the Cistercians in Wales. Jeff Thomas Tintern Abbey in southeast Wales has always been my favorite abbey. We arrived at Tintern at the end of a long day that included stops at Carreg Cennen and Raglan castles as we headed back toward London.
Part of what makes Tintern so special is its picturesque setting. Founded by 12th century Cistercian monks, the abbey sits serenely amid the hills of the Wye river valley. Framed by rolling green hills on all sides, Tintern is easily the most beautifully situated of the abbeys we visited.
The village of Tintern is tiny. Home Visit Places to visit Tintern Abbey. Getting here Saltmills, New Ross, Co. Follow us facebook.
Tintern Abbey This Cistercian monastery was founded c. Daily — Last admission 30 mins before closing Average Length of Visit: 1 hour. Children under the age of 16 years must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Contact Saltmills, New Ross, Co. Wexford Y34 KR64 tinternabbey opw. Restrictions Appropriate footwear Assistance dogs only No climbing No mobile devices Uneven walkways.
0コメント