CASTLEHUNTING 12 & 13 ABBEYS GALORE

Cadw site:- Abaty Talyllychau

Wiki site:- Abaty Talyllychau 

From Cadw:-

Skeletal remains of a unique religious settlement

Talley was founded in the 1180s by Rhys ap Gruffydd (‘The Lord Rhys’, native ruler of the south Wales kingdom of Deheubarth) for the monks of the Premonstratensian order. This was the first and only abbey in Wales for the Premonstratensians, monks who were also known as the ‘White Canons’ from the colour of their habit.

The church tower, standing almost to its full height, is the most impressive feature of the ruined abbey, which never enjoyed the wealth and success of the Cistercian religious settlements – quite widespread throughout Wales – that inspired it. Lack of funds meant that the church was never fully completed, though the outline of the footings demonstrates the scale and ambition of its design. The ruins stand in an idyllic setting beside Talley’s twin lakes.

Another epic ride today. Off Castle Hunting for Hari again, but this time ruined Abbeys in the care of Cadw.

Firstly Talley, just North of Llandeilo, then on to Strata Florida, upside of Lampeter. Not much to see @ Talley, but Strata Florida was outstanding. 

Talley

Cadw site:- Abaty Ystrad Fflur

Wiki site:- Abaty Ystrad Fflur 

From Cadw:-

Grand medieval abbey where generations of Welsh princes are buried

The Cistercian abbey of Strata Florida (‘Vale of Flowers’ in Latin) has stood on lush meadows beside the banks of the river Teifi since 1184.

It was established by white-robed Cistercian monks as part of a movement that spread like a tidal wave across the whole of western Europe in the early Middle Ages. Soon it became the most famous church in Wales after St Davids –­ a place of pilgrimage and a linchpin of Welsh culture.

There are unmistakable echoes of greatness among the ruins. The best preserved and most famous feature of Strata Florida is the richly decorated west doorway into the church, offering a view down the nave to where the high altar once stood.

You can still see some of the incredible decorated tiles that would have covered the floors of the church. Griffins, birds and fleurs-de-lis surround the enigmatic ‘Man with the Mirror’. This 14th-century figure dressed in a doublet and close-fitting hood is reckoned to be a symbol of vanity.

Strata Florida, or Ystrad Fflur as local people know it, is the final resting place for generations of medieval Welsh princes. The great medieval poet Dafydd ap Gwilym is said to be buried under a yew in the churchyard. There is a memorial to him in the north transept of the church. No wonder it’s been called ‘the Westminster Abbey of Wales’.

Strata Florida 

The route?

149 miles, 4.5 hours, niiiiiice.