Scheduled MonumentsWalesCymer Abbey
Medieval · Abbey

Cymer Abbey

Meirionnydd, Wales
Cadw SAM ME001
Period
Medieval
Site type
Abbey
Broad class
Religious, Ritual and Funerary
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Cymer Abbey is a Cistercian monastery founded in the mid-twelfth century in the Meirionnydd valley, North Wales. The abbey was established around 1198 by the lords of Meirionnydd and functioned as a house of the Cistercian order until its dissolution in the sixteenth century. The surviving remains include substantial portions of the abbey church, notably the chancel and transepts, which demonstrate the austere architectural character typical of Cistercian foundations of the period. The site occupies a strategic position within its river valley setting, characteristic of Cistercian monastic planning, and retains considerable structural integrity that reflects both its medieval construction and later modifications.

Cymer Abbey is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference ME001. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Cymer Abbey?

Cymer Abbey is a Cistercian monastery founded in the mid-twelfth century in the Meirionnydd valley, North Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference ME001.

What period does Cymer Abbey date from?

Cymer Abbey dates from the medieval period, and is classified as a abbey. It is one of over 32,000 scheduled monuments protected across Britain.

Who is responsible for protecting Cymer Abbey?

Cymer Abbey is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Cadw — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in Wales. The official designation reference is ME001.

What other scheduled monuments are near Cymer Abbey?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Tyddyn-y-Coed Camp (4.6 km), Maes Coch Deserted Rural Settlement (4.7 km), Maes Coch Hut Circles (4.8 km).

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