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The Cistercians in Wales: Architecture and Archaeology 1130-1540

by David M Robinson

This book is a comprehensive study of the churches and monastic buildings constructed by the Cistercian order in Wales. It covers fourteen abbeys situated across the principality and its borders, recognised by the Cistercians of the later Middle Ages as their 'province of Wales'. Welsh Cistercians have been comparatively well served by their historians, their buildings, however, have attracted far less scholarly attention. David Robinson's work will correct this imbalance, and represents the first attempt in modern times to assess and understand the above and below ground remains of this highly significant group of abbeys. The first part of the book is a survey of the available evidence, both of upstanding remains and excavated foundations, for all the known Cistercian buildings in Wales. This forms the basis for an analysis of their architectural characteristics and the identification of several distinct phases of growth and change. The book concludes with a gazetteer of the fourteen Cistercian abbeys which are the subject of the study, consisting of a comprehensive account of the archaeology and architecture of each site. The whole work is accompanied by newly commissioned plans, drawings and photographs. c.424p, c.200 b/w illus (Reports of the Research Committee of the Society of Antiquaries of London 73, Society of Antiquaries of London 2006)

Review Quotes

"A notable advance in a truly important aspect of the medieval inheritance. The volume will be greatly respected by its readers and cherished by those who possess it."

J. Beverley Smith
Studia Celtica (2008)

"The amount of information assembled, the quality of the discussion and the breadth of vision applied to the subject is truly impressive. Both the authors and the publishers are to be congratulated on a major contribution to our appreciation of the Cistercians in Wales"

Peter Webster
Archaeologia Cambrensis (2007)

"Most impressive,...are the elegant reconstructions which engage the reader immediately and imaginatively with the author's narrative...; they form an impressive contribution to research in their own right."

Deirdre O'Sullivan
Medieval Archaeology (2007)

Table of Contents

Part I: Setting The Scene The Cistercians and their settlement of Wales; Church building in Wales before the Cistercians; Abbey sites and temporary buildings. Part II: The Abbey Churches The earliest stone churches; The arrival of the ‘Bernardine’ plan; The transition to regional Gothic forms; The Welsh Cistercian church transformed. Part III: The Monastic Buildings The claustral layout; Cloisters and cloister arcades; The chapter house; The monks’ refectory; Infirmary provision and the abbot’s accommodation Part IV: Catalogue Of Cistercian Sites In Wales And The Borders Introduction; Aberconwy Abbey; Basingwerk Abbey; Cwmhir Abbey; Cymer Abbey; Dore Abbey; Grace Dieu Abbey; Llantarnam Abbey; Maenan Abbey; Margam Abbey; Neath Abbey; Strata Florida Abbey; Strata Marcella Abbey; Tintern Abbey; Valle Crucis Abbey; Whitland Abbey.

Prizes

Winner of the 2006 Alice Davis Hitchcock Memorial Medallion.

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