
Recently, I found myself near Tintern Abbey with a day off from pet sitting or work. It was a no-brainer that I needed to pop down and cross it off my hit list of sites to visit. I rode there on my bike, and I’m so glad that I did. The roads and scenery to the abbey from the New Forest were simply stunning.
Embarking on a journey to photograph the UK’s castles, cathedrals, and abbeys is indeed an ambitious endeavour. One of the many (some may say impossible) goals in my overall photography project is to visit as many castles, cathedrals, and abbeys across the UK as I possibly can. So far, it’s been very slow progress! But I’m taking steps to ensure more travel moving forward.
Tintern Abbey history
Tintern Abbey is located next to the River Wye. It is in a valley, and approaching it simply took my breath away. Founded on 9 May 1131 by Walter de Clare, Lord of Chepstow, it was the first Cistercian monastery in Wales and only the second in Britain. The Cistercian Order, founded in 1098 at the abbey of Cîteaux in France, sought remote locations for their monasteries, making the secluded Wye Valley an ideal setting. The monks initially constructed timber buildings, later transitioning to stone structures as the abbey expanded.



When I visit sites like these, I tend to visualise what the building and surrounding area would have looked like back when it was built. I can only envision absolute serenity in this area back in the day. If you visit, you will understand what I mean. It truly is a stunning location.
The abbey underwent significant reconstruction between 1269 and 1301, resulting in the magnificent Gothic structure that stands today. This rebuilding was largely funded by Roger Bigod, 5th Earl of Norfolk, whose contributions were commemorated by the inclusion of his coat of arms in the abbey’s east window. The church features a cruciform layout with an aisled nave, two chapels in each transept, and a square-ended aisled chancel. Constructed from Old Red Sandstone, the building showcases a range of colours from purple to buff and grey. Its total length from east to west is 228 feet, with a transept spanning 150 feet.
As I had several things I wanted to see this day, I didn’t spend as much time as I had hoped to, but this is definitely a site I will be visiting again for a full day so I can properly explore the village and scenic beauty of the place.
The abbey, like many others in the UK, has sustained significant damage over the centuries since the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII between 1536 and 1541. Abbot Wych surrendered Tintern Abbey and all its estates to the King’s visitors, ending a way of life that had lasted 400 years. Valuables from the abbey were sent to the royal treasury, and Abbot Wych was pensioned off. The building was granted to the then lord of Chepstow, Henry Somerset, 2nd Earl of Worcester. Lead from the roof was sold, and the decay of the buildings began.
There are still some very impressive parts of the abbey that stand today. The architecture once again simply just blew my mind. Considering this abbey was built over 800 years ago, it is simply mind-boggling what they were able to accomplish. Such magnificent archways and fine stone artwork. It truly is impressive if architecture and artwork are of interest to you.
For me, the archways that remain were certainly a highlight. Once you’re on the site, you start to get a feel for the size of the abbey in its glory days. If you’re the imaginative sort, you can get a sense of what it would have been like for the monks who resided here.


I will definitely be back for a longer, more in-depth visit. If you are into architecture, photography, and history, this really does need to be a must-visit on your list. Not simply for the abbey itself, but the stunning location it is set in.
The Abbey and the villagers
The abbey’s construction spanned several centuries, with the initial phase beginning in 1131 and the final completion, except for minor additions, occurring in the early 14th century. This extended period of construction allowed for the incorporation of evolving architectural styles, resulting in a harmonious blend of Early English and Decorated Gothic elements. The skilled stonemasons employed intricate tracery in the windows and crafted ornate carvings that have stood the test of time.
Surrounding the abbey, the village of Tintern developed alongside the monastic community. The monks played a pivotal role in the local economy, establishing agricultural granges and engaging in activities such as milling and fishing. The Angiddy Valley, branching off the River Wye near the abbey, became a hub of industrial activity, with the establishment of wireworks and forges in the 16th century, further contributing to the area’s economic growth.
One unique feature of Tintern Abbey is its unconventional layout, with the cloister positioned to the north of the church, contrary to the typical southern placement found in most Cistercian monasteries.
This deviation was likely influenced by the site’s topography and the desire to maximise natural light in the monastic buildings.
Despite its ruinous state, Tintern Abbey experienced a resurgence in the 18th century as a focal point for the Romantic movement. Artists and poets, including William Wordsworth and J.M.W. Turner, found inspiration in its picturesque setting. Wordsworth’s poem “Lines Written a Few Miles Above Tintern Abbey” and Turner’s paintings contributed to the site’s enduring legacy.


Tintern Abbey today
Today, Tintern Abbey stands as a testament to the architectural prowess and spiritual devotion of the Cistercian monks. Its well-preserved ruins continue to captivate visitors, offering a tangible connection to the past and a serene setting for reflection and photography. The abbey is managed by Cadw, the historic environment service of the Welsh Government, ensuring its preservation for future generations.
I will definitely be back for a longer, more in-depth visit. If you are into architecture, photography, and history, this really does need to be a must-visit on your list. Not simply for the abbey itself, but the stunning location it is set in.
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