Whitland Abbey

 The Mother House of the Welsh Cistercians

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About Whitland Abbey

Whitland Abbey was an important Cistercian Abbey founded in 1151. Now only visible in ruined form, it is still well worth visiting. It Is open to the public at any time, although please close gates behind you – there might be sheep grazing the grass.

A group of volunteers have come together to help preserve and promote the history of the Abbey site. Our aim is to raise the profile and help more people discover this magnificent historic site that was almost lost to us, whilst preserving its future. We are  building up contacts and ideas that we hope to take forward. Connections have already been made with the Dyfed Archaeological Trust, CADW, Strata Florida, Cwmhir Abbey/ Cwmhir Abbey History, Holy Cross Abbey, and Canolfan Hywel Dda. If you are interested in joining us, please do get in touch.

What We Do

Find out more about the work we are doing on the Abbey and what we have planned for the future.

Whitland Abbey History

Discover the fascinating and tumultuous history of Whitland Abbey and how it was almost completely lost.

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Over 800 Years of History

Founded by Cistercian monks from Clairvaux, Whitland Abbey has had a fascinating history since its formation in 1151 to the present day. Including a prominent and violent part in the Anglo-Welsh wars.

Mausoleum to Welsh Royalty

Founded

Royal Mausoleum

Dissolved

Abbey Events

Previous event

WHITLAND ABBEY- Open Doors 2021 Event

Whitland Abbey took part in the CADW Open Doors celebration of the heritage of Wales.  On Friday 24th and Saturday 25th September 2021 between 10.00am and 6.00pm there were a wide range of special attractions to give you an idea of what life was like at Whitland Abbey in medieval times.

Previous Event

WHITLAND ABBEY AND THE CISTERCIAN WORLD

An online talk on Saturday March 27th 2021 at 3pm by Professor Janet Burton (Professor of Medieval History at the University of Wales Trinity Saint David).

Whitland Abbey – Open Doors 2022 Event

in 2021 Whitland Abbey took part in the CADW Open Doors celebration of the heritage of Wales for the first time.  A second event was held in 2022 on Friday 23rd and Saturday 24th September between 11.00am and 5.00pm. There was a wide range of special attractions to give you an idea of what life was like at Whitland Abbey in medieval times.

A seasonal walk following the donkeys, and carol singing at Whitland Abbey

On Sunday 19th  December the community came together for a seasonal walk from Canolfan Hywel Dda to Whitland Abbey using the Whitland Abbey Byway.

Find out more, including how it went, on the link below.

Contact Us / Join Our Newsletter

 

Keep up to date with all the latest information, events and discoveries from Whitland Abbey and find out what you can do to help.

 

friendswhitlandabbey@gmail.com

 

We will only use your e-mail address to contact you about Whitland Abbey.