Scheduled MonumentsWalesMargam Abbey
Medieval · Abbey

Margam Abbey

Wales
Cadw SAM GM005
Period
Medieval
Site type
Abbey
Broad class
Religious, Ritual and Funerary
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Cadw

Overview

History & significance

Margam Abbey is a Cistercian monastery founded in 1147 in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, by Robert, Earl of Gloucester, as a daughter house of Neath Abbey. The abbey developed into one of the most prosperous Cistercian foundations in Wales, acquiring substantial landholdings and maintaining a significant architectural presence throughout the medieval period. The surviving structures, including the substantial chapter house of the late twelfth century and remains of the claustral buildings, exemplify the characteristic austerity and functional design of Cistercian architecture. Following the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the sixteenth century, the site was adapted for secular use, with portions of the stonework incorporated into later domestic structures that have themselves now become historic monuments.

Margam Abbey is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference GM005. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Margam Abbey?

Margam Abbey is a Cistercian monastery founded in 1147 in the Vale of Glamorgan, South Wales, by Robert, Earl of Gloucester, as a daughter house of Neath Abbey. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference GM005.

What period does Margam Abbey date from?

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

Who is responsible for protecting Margam Abbey?

Margam 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 GM005.

What other scheduled monuments are near Margam Abbey?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Kenfig Castle & Medieval Town (3.6 km), Sculptured Cross Llanmihangel Farm (3.7 km), Leat & Dam at Llanmihangel Mill (4.3 km).

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