Scheduled MonumentsWalesTalley Abbey
Medieval · Abbey

Talley Abbey

Carmarthenshire, Wales
Cadw SAM CM013
Period
Medieval
Site type
Abbey
Broad class
Religious, Ritual and Funerary
Nation
Wales
Boundary

Scheduled area

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Overview

History & significance

Talley Abbey is a Premonstratensian monastery founded in the early twelfth century in Carmarthenshire, Wales, representing one of the earliest houses of the White Canons in Britain. The abbey was established by Rhys ap Gruffudd, the powerful Norman-Welsh prince, and became a significant religious foundation that flourished during the medieval period. The surviving ruins include substantial remains of the church and associated monastic buildings, which demonstrate the architectural character of a substantial Cistercian-influenced establishment. The site was dissolved during the Reformation in the sixteenth century, and its remains have since become an important archaeological witness to medieval monastic life in Wales.

Talley Abbey is a scheduled monument protected by Cadw under reference CM013. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Talley Abbey?

Talley Abbey is a Premonstratensian monastery founded in the early twelfth century in Carmarthenshire, Wales, representing one of the earliest houses of the White Canons in Britain. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Cadw under reference CM013.

What period does Talley Abbey date from?

Talley 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 Talley Abbey?

Talley 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 CM013.

What other scheduled monuments are near Talley Abbey?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Talley Mound and Bailey Castle (0.6 km), Fan Camp (4.4 km), Maes y Castell (4.8 km).

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