 Valle Crucis Abbey
Situated less than two miles from Llangollen, this idyllic and once isolated
spot in the 'valley of the cross' was perfect for the needs of a Cistercian
house. So in 1201 Madog founded Valle Crucis Abbey with a group of monks
from the mother house of Strata Marcella near Welshpool, and building
on the new monastery began immediately. During the first 50 years, however,
the monks had already encountered a setback when a disastrous fire caused
much damage to the abbey church.
Barely recovering from
this event, the monastery was further destroyed during Edward I's Welsh
campaigns. In the early 14th century the monks at Valle Crucis Abbey
were allowed to settle into a relatively peaceful period, and a major
programme of repairs and new building was undertaken to complete the
abbey. The peace did not last long and, before the end of the century,
yet more fire damage was sustained as a result of the Welsh uprising.
Finally able to enjoy something of a revival during the last 100 years
of its life as a monastery, Valle Crucis Abbey earned a reputation for
its appreciation of the literary arts. In 1535, despite documents recording
the abbey to be in a very poor state of decay, it was ranked as one
of the richest Cistercian monasteries in Wales, second only to Tintern Abbey.
This prolonged the inevitable fate of the abbey's Dissolution until
January 1537.
Looking at Valle Crucis Abbey
today there is a definite feel of 'completeness', but sadly this is only
superficial. Although the East Range buildings look remarkably habitable,
they are little more than just roofed shells, and the appearance of the
beautifully restored west front of the abbey church may mislead you into
believing there are extensive internal remains. Unfortunately this is
not the case, although there are some well preserved sections of the south
aisle and south transept chapels to be seen in this compact abbey church.
It is interesting to note how architectural styles changed during the
various periods of building, from the traditionally plain but bold lines
of the early Cistercian masons, to the later finer stonework enhanced
by exquisite carving.
A good place to identify
the contrasting styles is on the west front where the original, quite
austere wall was given a beautifully moulded central doorway and an
ornately traceried rose window after the first fire. The sacristy, book
cupboard, and the square, rib-vaulted chapter house are fine survivals
from the 14th century, as is the monks' dormitory above these
buildings. During the late 15th century part of the dormitory
was converted for use as the Abbot's Hall, and a large fireplace from
this period can still be seen. It has since been returned to the original
plan of one long room, and provides a rare and fascinating insight into
the monks' sleeping arrangements. Also displayed in this area are a
number of medieval, sculptured grave slabs that have been discovered
in and around the abbey.
Little apart from foundation
walls have survived of the other claustral ranges, and nothing is now
visible of the many monastic outbuildings that would once have existed.
A wonderful feature that has survived at Valle Crucis Abbey is the monastic
fish pond, the only one to be seen in Wales. Looking into the pond to
see the watery reflection gives a truly evocative image of the 800 year
old abbey in its hilly, natural environment. |
