Aberconwy Abbey
Christian·Wales·Ruins/Re-purposed·12th century
Aberconwy Abbey was a significant Cistercian monastery, initially founded near Caernarfon in 1186 before moving to Conwy. It rose to prominence as the most important abbey in North Wales during the 13th century, largely due to the patronage of Llywelyn the Great, who was buried there. The abbey was later forcibly relocated by King Edward I to Maenan to make way for Conwy Castle and was eventually suppressed in 1537.
Key Facts
- ›Founded in 1186 near Caernarfon, moving to Conwy a few years later.
- ›Patronized by Llywelyn the Great, who granted extensive lands making it the wealthiest Welsh abbey.
- ›Burial site for Llywelyn the Great and his sons Dafydd ap Llywelyn and Gruffydd ap Llywelyn.
- ›Abbots played a role in significant political negotiations between Welsh rulers and the English crown.
- ›Forcibly relocated to Maenan in 1283 by King Edward I.
- ›Suppressed in 1537 and valued at £162 at the time.
Gothic
West Wall With Three Lancet Windows, Lower Parts of the East Wall, West Doorway
Llywelyn the Great, Dafydd Ap Llywelyn, Gruffydd Ap Llywelyn, Llywelyn Ap Gruffudd, King Edward I, John Ap Rhys
- Foundation of the Abbey
- Relocation To Conwy
- Grants of Land By Llywelyn the Great
- Burial of Llywelyn the Great
- Burial of Dafydd Ap Llywelyn
- Reburial of Gruffydd Ap Llywelyn
- Abbot Acting As Llywelyn's Sole Representative In Negotiations
- Forced Relocation To Maenan By King Edward I
- Suppression of the Abbey
About Aberconwy Abbey
Aberconwy Abbey was a prominent Cistercian monastery in North Wales, initially founded in 1186 near Caernarfon before relocating to Conwy. During the 13th century, it became the most important abbey in the region, significantly influenced by the patronage of Llywelyn the Great, Prince of Gwynedd. His extensive land grants made Aberconwy the wealthiest abbey in Wales, and it served as the burial site for Llywelyn the Great himself, as well as his sons Dafydd ap Llywelyn and Gruffydd ap Llywelyn.
Historical Significance and Relocation
The abbot of Aberconwy held considerable political influence, acting as a key negotiator in important discussions between Welsh rulers and the English crown. This prominence, however, led to its displacement. In 1283, following his conquest of Wales, King Edward I of England ordered the monks to move from Conwy to a new site at Maenan, further up the Conwy valley, to facilitate the construction of Conwy Castle and its surrounding town. The King financed the building of the new abbey at Maenan.
Later History and Remains
The abbey at Maenan was valued at £162 in 1535 and was suppressed in 1537. Little remains of the Maenan Abbey structures. In Conwy, the original abbey church was adapted to serve as the parish church of St Mary & All Saints. While much rebuilt over the centuries, certain elements survive from the original abbey, including the west wall with its three lancet windows and the lower portions of the east wall. The fine west doorway is also believed to be a salvaged piece, possibly from the chapter house, and moved to its current location within the church.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
When was Aberconwy Abbey founded?
A Cistercian house was founded at Rhedynog Felen near Caernarfon in 1186. It later moved to Conwy about four or five years after its initial foundation.
Who was the most important patron of Aberconwy Abbey?
Llywelyn the Great was regarded as the founder of the house. Thanks to his support, the abbey acquired more land than any other Welsh abbey.
What happened to Aberconwy Abbey during the reign of King Edward I?
In 1283, King Edward I obliged the monks to move from Conwy to Maenan so he could construct Conwy Castle and a walled town. He financed the building of a new abbey at Maenan.
What remains of Aberconwy Abbey today?
Little remains of the Maenan Abbey buildings. In Conwy, the original abbey church was adapted into the parish church of St Mary & All Saints, with parts of the west wall and lower east wall surviving from the abbey.
Was Aberconwy Abbey a wealthy institution?
Yes, Aberconwy Abbey became the most important abbey in North Wales. Thanks to the patronage of Llywelyn the Great, it held over 40,000 acres of land, more than any other Welsh abbey.
When was Aberconwy Abbey suppressed?
Aberconwy Abbey was suppressed in 1537. At the time of its suppression, it was valued at £162.
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