Scheduled MonumentsWalesSt Mary's Abbey, Bardsey Island
Medieval · Abbey

St Mary's Abbey, Bardsey Island

Conwy, Wales
Cadw SAM CN068
Period
Medieval
Site type
Abbey
Broad class
Religious, Ritual and Funerary
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

St Mary's Abbey is a medieval Cistercian monastery located on Bardsey Island off the coast of Conwy in North Wales. Founded in the twelfth century, the abbey became one of the most important pilgrimage destinations in medieval Wales, with Bardsey regarded as a sacred burial ground where numerous saints and ecclesiastical figures were interred. The site comprises the substantial remains of the abbey church and associated monastic buildings, reflecting the architectural conventions of Cistercian communities. The abbey remained active until its dissolution in the sixteenth century, after which the buildings fell into ruin, though their remains continue to testify to the spiritual and cultural significance of this island monastery in medieval Welsh religious life.

St Mary's Abbey, Bardsey Island is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CN068. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is St Mary's Abbey, Bardsey Island?

St Mary's Abbey is a medieval Cistercian monastery located on Bardsey Island off the coast of Conwy in North Wales. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CN068.

What period does St Mary's Abbey, Bardsey Island date from?

St Mary's Abbey, Bardsey Island 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 St Mary's Abbey, Bardsey Island?

St Mary's Abbey, Bardsey Island 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 CN068.

What other scheduled monuments are near St Mary's Abbey, Bardsey Island?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Cross-Inscribed Stone in the Chapel, Bardsey Island (0.1 km), Inscribed Stone in the Chapel, Bardsey Island (0.1 km), Mynydd Enlli Round Barrow, Bardsey Island (0.5 km).

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