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Margam Abbey

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description Margam Abbey Overview

Margam Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery located in Margam, Port Talbot, Wales. It was founded in 1147 by Robert, Earl of Gloucester, as a daughter house of Clairvaux Abbey. Following its dissolution in 1536, the nave was preserved and continues to function as the local parish church, making it a rare example of a surviving Cistercian nave in Wales. The surrounding country park also houses the Margam Stones Museum, which displays an extensive collection of early medieval Celtic and Latin inscribed stones.

help Margam Abbey FAQ

Who founded Margam Abbey in Wales?

Margam Abbey was founded in 1147 by Robert, Earl of Gloucester, as a Cistercian monastery. It became a significant religious center in the region before its closure under King Henry VIII.

Can you still visit the ruins of Margam Abbey today?

Yes, the ruins are located within Margam Country Park in Port Talbot, Wales, and are open to the public. Visitors can also explore the adjacent Margam Castle and the beautiful surrounding gardens.

What is the Margam Stones collection?

The site houses an important collection of early Christian Celtic stones and crosses. These historical artifacts, some dating back to the early medieval period, are preserved in the Margam Stones Museum located on the grounds.

What religious order lived at Margam Abbey?

The abbey was home to the Cistercian order of monks, who were known for their austere lifestyle and agricultural improvements. They operated the abbey from its founding in 1147 until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century.

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