Ruins of Tintern Abbey in Wales

As you wander through the abbey ruins, you can't help but visualize what it must have been like with the monks in their austere white robes, candles flickering, and their voices  raised in harmonious chants. 

One of the things I first noticed was the different colors in the stone, it changed from grays to a tan or buff color and even had a hint of dark rose or purple in places.  I was told it was carved from "Old Red Sandstone".



The windows also drew my attention with their beautiful intricate shapes and designs.  If you squint your eyes, you can imagine them with their stained glass shining as the sun would filter through.   Now as you stroll from room to room on the rich green grass carpet you are awed by the size of the columns, the carvings you find, outstanding examples of the elaborate Gothic style of architecture, and the fact that this was rebuilt in the 13th century.  Amazing!

I have been fortunate to return a couple more times, and have read more of the history of the abbey.  King Edward II stayed at th.e abbey, plus many other important people of the time.  Sadly in 1349 the Black Death swept the country leaving many dead.  Following this the Abbey was not able to attract new  recruits for the brotherhood, this resulted in major changes to how the granges were organized and worked.  Many were tenanted out to locals rather than being worked by lay brothers, causing less income.  

Abbot Wyche surrendered Tintern Abbey to King Henry VIII's officials on 3 September, 1536, ending the Abbey's way of life that had existed for 400 years.  The valuables from the Abbey were taken to the Royal Treasury.  The building was given to the Lord of Chepstow, and the lead from the roof was sold.  The glorious Abbey's demise began.  Even though the Cistercian monks no longer inhabited the Abby's of England they left a wondrous architectural legacy of some of Europe's finest monastic remains for us to enjoy.

The decay of the Abbey buildings continued for centuries, and in the 17th & 18th century workers in the local wire works inhabited the buildings.   

Then during the 18th century it became popular in England to visit "wilder" parts of the country.  Wye Valley was well known for its romantic and picturesque appeal.  By now the Abbey ruins were covered with ivy and the fields were frequented by cattle.  The Abbey was highlighted in a book in the 1700's and visitors came in great numbers.  Wordsworth's famous poem brought renewed interest in the Abbey and Wye Valley .




Since the early 20th century great efforts have been made to preserve and keep standing one of the finest and most complete abbey churches in Wales. 

When visiting Wales be sure to add the Wye Valley and especially the magnificent ruins of Tintern Abbey to your wanderings.   Maybe I will see you there, as I make it a point to visit whenever I am in Wales.  


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