In and Around Tintern

Tintern Abbey was founded in 1131, by Cistercian Monks seeking solitude in the wooded valleys of Wales. As Father Bernard of Clairvaux wrote, “You will find among the woods something never found in books.”

Today both the Wye Valley Walk and Offa’s Dyke Path pass through Tintern. A short distance away, high on the wooded valley side, stands the rocky outcrop known as the Devil’s Pulpit. Here, according to legend, the Devil would preach to the monks in the Abbey far below, cajoling them to leave their devotions an join him instead.

The church of St. Michael’s and All Angels stands on the site of an early hermitage dating from 555AD. Some two hundred years later, a Celtic Church was constructed here.

The Book of Llandaff relates that Tewdrig, king of Gwent, retired to Tintern to become a hermit. Later, when Saxons threatened the kingdom, he was persuaded to lead an army against them.

He fought a decisive battle at Pont y Saeson (Bridge of the Saxons) in the Angiddy Valley, to the west of Tintern. Despite his victory, Tewdrig was mortally wounded. He was carried down the valley, in a cart drawn by two stags, towards the River Severn. It being the intention of his son, Meurig, to convey him to the Island of Flat Holm, the historical burial place of the ancient kings of Gwent.

However, Tewdrig died on the journey at a spot where a well miraculously sprung from the ground. (Nennius, writing in 822, describes Tewdrig’s well as a “wonder”). He was buried nearby. Mathern church was built to commemorate Tewdrig - Mathern deriving from Merthyr Teryrn - church of the martyred king.

Meurig’s son was Arthuris, the historical king Arthur.

Trellech - the birth place of Bertrand Russell - has several point of interest. Terret Tump is an ancient burial mound.

Harold’s Stones are alinement of three Neolithic standing stones along the side of the B4293.

Legend tells that the stones were thrown here by the giant Jack o’ Kent in a competition with the devil.

While beside the Landogo road lies a sacred spring dedicated to St. Anne. It is known locally as “the Virtuous Well”.

Folk tales tell of fairies visiting the spring on Mid Summers Eve.

The three mysteries of Trellech are commemorated on an ancient sundial located in the church, established in 755.

In Monmouth’s Old Priory, now a Youth Hostel, there is a window known as “Geoffrey’s Window”. The belief being that this was the room belonging to Geoffrey of Monmouth, author of the 12th century History of the Kings of Britain and The Prophecies of Merlin.

Geoffrey of Monmouth is one of six life sized sculptures located at Tintern’s Old Station, at the north end of the village. King Arthur, Eleanor of Provence, King Offa, Hafren or Sabrina and King Tewdrig complete the Circle of Legends, six historic and mythic characters from Gwent’s ancient past.

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Tintern is situated in the Wye Valley,
a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
When tourism began in the 18th century, Tintern, with it’s picturesque ruined Abbey and location, was at the forefront.
Today the village remains peaceful and unspoilt,
a welcome destination for all.
On the A466, between Chepstow and Monmouth.

Tintern, at the Spiritual Heart of the Wye Valley

www.visittintern.co.uk

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