Abbeycwmhir

Settlement in Radnorshire

Wales

Abbeycwmhir

Glyndwr's Way near Abbeycwmhir — Glyndwr's Way near Abbeycwmhir Credit: Dave Kelly

Abbeycwmhir is a small village located in the county of Radnorshire, Wales. Situated in the beautiful countryside, it is surrounded by rolling hills, lush valleys, and picturesque landscapes. The village is part of the historic region of Powys and lies within the Cambrian Mountains.

The name Abbeycwmhir translates to "Abbey in the Long Valley" in Welsh, which is fitting as the village is home to the ruins of a Cistercian abbey. The abbey dates back to the 12th century and was once a thriving religious center. Today, visitors can explore the remains of the abbey, which include the impressive nave and the intricately carved tombs of the founders.

Aside from its historical significance, Abbeycwmhir offers visitors a tranquil and serene atmosphere. It is a popular destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat or a base for exploring the surrounding countryside. The village is known for its charming cottages, traditional Welsh architecture, and friendly locals.

Nature lovers will appreciate the abundance of outdoor activities available in the area. The nearby Radnor Forest provides opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife spotting. The village is also located near the Elan Valley, renowned for its stunning reservoirs and scenic drives.

In terms of amenities, Abbeycwmhir has a small general store, a village hall, and a pub where visitors can enjoy a traditional Welsh meal or a pint of local ale. Overall, Abbeycwmhir offers a glimpse into Wales' rich history and provides a peaceful retreat for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of city life.

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Abbeycwmhir Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.331015/-3.389919 or Grid Reference SO0571. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Glyndwr's Way near Abbeycwmhir

Glyndwr's Way near Abbeycwmhir

Glyndwr's Way near Cwmysgawen A horse stile on the path

Glyndwr's Way near Cwmysgawen

A horse stile on the path

Bridge over Cwm Poeth Brook at Abbeycwmhir This stone bridge allows access to St Mary&#039;s churchyard from the nearby hall. The single-span footbridge with its attached walls is grade II-listed (Cadw Building ID: 83092 <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/wa-83092-footbridge-attached-walls-and-gateway-on-#.VxPdcP_mqHs" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.britishlistedbuildings.co.uk/wa-83092-footbridge-attached-walls-and-gateway-on-#.VxPdcP_mqHs">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> British Listed Buildings)

Bridge over Cwm Poeth Brook at Abbeycwmhir

This stone bridge allows access to St Mary's churchyard from the nearby hall. The single-span footbridge with its attached walls is grade II-listed (Cadw Building ID: 83092 Link

British Listed Buildings)

Parish Church of St Mary, Abbeycwmhir The current church was built in 1856 at the expense of Miss Mary Beatrice Philips, a sister to the Squire George Henry Philips of the adjacent Hall <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1445756" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1445756">Link</a>.
The current building, in Victorian Gothic revival style, replaced that built in 1680 by Sir William Fowler a little to the south, of which no trace remains. The earlier building which was dedicated to St Bridget incorporated carved stonework from the nearby Abbey none of which has been preserved in this church.
Cwm Poeth brook runs through the churchyard and into a culvert under the road, eventually emerging below Home Farm before joining Clywedog Brook. A stone bridge leads over Cwm Poeth from the churchyard to The Hall.

Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust Radnorshire churches survey <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://cpat.org.uk/Archive/churches/radnor/16703.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://cpat.org.uk/Archive/churches/radnor/16703.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Castles of Wales page <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.castlewales.com/cwmhr_ch.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.castlewales.com/cwmhr_ch.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

The church, bridge and Abbey ruins are all listed Grade II*.

Parish Church of St Mary, Abbeycwmhir

The current church was built in 1856 at the expense of Miss Mary Beatrice Philips, a sister to the Squire George Henry Philips of the adjacent Hall Link. The current building, in Victorian Gothic revival style, replaced that built in 1680 by Sir William Fowler a little to the south, of which no trace remains. The earlier building which was dedicated to St Bridget incorporated carved stonework from the nearby Abbey none of which has been preserved in this church. Cwm Poeth brook runs through the churchyard and into a culvert under the road, eventually emerging below Home Farm before joining Clywedog Brook. A stone bridge leads over Cwm Poeth from the churchyard to The Hall. Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust Radnorshire churches survey Link

Castles of Wales page Link

The church, bridge and Abbey ruins are all listed Grade II*.

Railings Detail, St Mary's Church, Abbeycwmhir The current church was built in 1856 at the expense of Miss Mary Beatrice Philips, a sister to the Squire George Henry Philips of the adjacent Hall <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1445756" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1445756">Link</a>.
The current building, in Victorian Gothic revival style, replaced that built in 1680 by Sir William Fowler a little to the south, of which no trace remains. The earlier building which was dedicated to St Bridget incorporated carved stonework from the nearby Abbey none of which has been preserved in this church.
Cwm Poeth brook runs through the churchyard and into a culvert under the road, eventually emerging below Home Farm before joining Clywedog Brook. A stone bridge leads over Cwm Poeth from the churchyard to The Hall.

Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust Radnorshire churches survey <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://cpat.org.uk/Archive/churches/radnor/16703.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://cpat.org.uk/Archive/churches/radnor/16703.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Castles of Wales page <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.castlewales.com/cwmhr_ch.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.castlewales.com/cwmhr_ch.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

The church, bridge and Abbey ruins are all listed Grade II*.

Railings Detail, St Mary's Church, Abbeycwmhir

The current church was built in 1856 at the expense of Miss Mary Beatrice Philips, a sister to the Squire George Henry Philips of the adjacent Hall Link. The current building, in Victorian Gothic revival style, replaced that built in 1680 by Sir William Fowler a little to the south, of which no trace remains. The earlier building which was dedicated to St Bridget incorporated carved stonework from the nearby Abbey none of which has been preserved in this church. Cwm Poeth brook runs through the churchyard and into a culvert under the road, eventually emerging below Home Farm before joining Clywedog Brook. A stone bridge leads over Cwm Poeth from the churchyard to The Hall. Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust Radnorshire churches survey Link

Castles of Wales page Link

The church, bridge and Abbey ruins are all listed Grade II*.

Abbey-Cwm-Hir Abbeycwmhir (Abaty Cwm Hir, &quot;Abbey in the Long Valley&quot;) is a remote village in the valley of the Nant Clywedog. The village is named after Cwmhir Abbey, the Cistercian abbey built there in 1143.

Abbey-Cwm-Hir

Abbeycwmhir (Abaty Cwm Hir, "Abbey in the Long Valley") is a remote village in the valley of the Nant Clywedog. The village is named after Cwmhir Abbey, the Cistercian abbey built there in 1143.

Abbeycwmhir Village Centre Abbeycwmhir (Abaty Cwm Hir, &quot;Abbey in the Long Valley&quot;) is a remote village in the valley of the Nant Clywedog. The village is named after Cwmhir Abbey, the Cistercian abbey built there in 1143.

Abbeycwmhir Village Centre

Abbeycwmhir (Abaty Cwm Hir, "Abbey in the Long Valley") is a remote village in the valley of the Nant Clywedog. The village is named after Cwmhir Abbey, the Cistercian abbey built there in 1143.

Abbeycwmhir Telephone Kiosk Abbeycwmhir (Abaty Cwm Hir, &quot;Abbey in the Long Valley&quot;) is a remote village in the valley of the Nant Clywedog. The village is named after Cwmhir Abbey, the Cistercian abbey built there in 1143.

Abbeycwmhir Telephone Kiosk

Abbeycwmhir (Abaty Cwm Hir, "Abbey in the Long Valley") is a remote village in the valley of the Nant Clywedog. The village is named after Cwmhir Abbey, the Cistercian abbey built there in 1143.

Cwmhir Abbey (Abaty Cwm Hir) The ruins of Abbey Cwmhir lie in the secluded valley of the Clywedog brook in a remote location typical of those chosen by the Cistercian order. The abbey was built in 1176, probably under the patronage of Cadwallon ap Madog of Maelienydd, as this area of Powys was then called.
The abbey was badly damaged in 1401-2 during the revolt of Owen Glyndwr who believed the English monks to be spies. At the time of dissolution in 1537 there were only three monks here.
Little survives of the abbey buildings and only the nave of the church, the largest in Wales, still stands. Stone from the abbey was used in the construction of the 17th century church (since demolished) and The Hall.
The nearby mound and boating lake are part of the 19th century landscaping around the adjacent Hall <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1445756" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1445756">Link</a>.

Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.cpat.org.uk/projects/longer/abbeyc/abbeyc.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.cpat.org.uk/projects/longer/abbeyc/abbeyc.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Castles of Wales page <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.castlewales.com/cwmhir.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.castlewales.com/cwmhir.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

The abbey ruins are Grade II* listed.

Cwmhir Abbey (Abaty Cwm Hir)

The ruins of Abbey Cwmhir lie in the secluded valley of the Clywedog brook in a remote location typical of those chosen by the Cistercian order. The abbey was built in 1176, probably under the patronage of Cadwallon ap Madog of Maelienydd, as this area of Powys was then called. The abbey was badly damaged in 1401-2 during the revolt of Owen Glyndwr who believed the English monks to be spies. At the time of dissolution in 1537 there were only three monks here. Little survives of the abbey buildings and only the nave of the church, the largest in Wales, still stands. Stone from the abbey was used in the construction of the 17th century church (since demolished) and The Hall. The nearby mound and boating lake are part of the 19th century landscaping around the adjacent Hall Link. Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust Link

Castles of Wales page Link

The abbey ruins are Grade II* listed.

Cistercian Abbey Ruins, Cwmhir Abbey (Abaty Cwm Hir) The ruins of Abbey Cwmhir lie in the secluded valley of the Clywedog brook in a remote location typical of those chosen by the Cistercian order. The abbey was built in 1176, probably under the patronage of Cadwallon ap Madog of Maelienydd, as this area of Powys was then called.
The abbey was badly damaged in 1401-2 during the revolt of Owen Glyndwr who believed the English monks to be spies. At the time of dissolution in 1537 there were only three monks here.
Little survives of the abbey buildings and only the nave of the church, the largest in Wales, still stands. Stone from the abbey was used in the construction of the 17th century church (since demolished) and The Hall.
The nearby mound and boating lake are part of the 19th century landscaping around the adjacent Hall <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1445756" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1445756">Link</a>.

Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.cpat.org.uk/projects/longer/abbeyc/abbeyc.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.cpat.org.uk/projects/longer/abbeyc/abbeyc.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Castles of Wales page <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.castlewales.com/cwmhir.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.castlewales.com/cwmhir.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

The abbey ruins are Grade II* listed.

Cistercian Abbey Ruins, Cwmhir Abbey (Abaty Cwm Hir)

The ruins of Abbey Cwmhir lie in the secluded valley of the Clywedog brook in a remote location typical of those chosen by the Cistercian order. The abbey was built in 1176, probably under the patronage of Cadwallon ap Madog of Maelienydd, as this area of Powys was then called. The abbey was badly damaged in 1401-2 during the revolt of Owen Glyndwr who believed the English monks to be spies. At the time of dissolution in 1537 there were only three monks here. Little survives of the abbey buildings and only the nave of the church, the largest in Wales, still stands. Stone from the abbey was used in the construction of the 17th century church (since demolished) and The Hall. The nearby mound and boating lake are part of the 19th century landscaping around the adjacent Hall Link. Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust Link

Castles of Wales page Link

The abbey ruins are Grade II* listed.

Cwmhir Abbey (Abaty Cwm Hir) Ruins The remains of the Cistercian abbey, viewed from the south-east.

Cwmhir Abbey (Abaty Cwm Hir) Ruins

The remains of the Cistercian abbey, viewed from the south-east.

Lake at Abbey-Cwm-Hir The lake, just to the south of the ruined abbey, was built as part of the 19th century landscaping associated with the nearby hall.

Lake at Abbey-Cwm-Hir

The lake, just to the south of the ruined abbey, was built as part of the 19th century landscaping associated with the nearby hall.

Clywedog Brook at Abbey-Cwm-Hir Water drains from the lake into Clywedog Brook.

Clywedog Brook at Abbey-Cwm-Hir

Water drains from the lake into Clywedog Brook.

Lake and Ruined Abbey, Abbey-Cwm-Hir The ruins of Abbey Cwmhir lie in the secluded valley of the Clywedog brook in a remote location typical of those chosen by the Cistercian order. The abbey was built in 1176, probably under the patronage of Cadwallon ap Madog of Maelienydd, as this area of Powys was then called.
The abbey was badly damaged in 1401-2 during the revolt of Owen Glyndwr who believed the English monks to be spies. At the time of dissolution in 1537 there were only three monks here.
Little survives of the abbey buildings and only the nave of the church, the largest in Wales, still stands. Stone from the abbey was used in the construction of the 17th century church (since demolished) and The Hall.
The nearby mound and boating lake are part of the 19th century landscaping around the adjacent Hall <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1445756" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1445756">Link</a>.

Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.cpat.org.uk/projects/longer/abbeyc/abbeyc.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.cpat.org.uk/projects/longer/abbeyc/abbeyc.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Castles of Wales page <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.castlewales.com/cwmhir.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.castlewales.com/cwmhir.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

The abbey ruins are Grade II* listed.

Lake and Ruined Abbey, Abbey-Cwm-Hir

The ruins of Abbey Cwmhir lie in the secluded valley of the Clywedog brook in a remote location typical of those chosen by the Cistercian order. The abbey was built in 1176, probably under the patronage of Cadwallon ap Madog of Maelienydd, as this area of Powys was then called. The abbey was badly damaged in 1401-2 during the revolt of Owen Glyndwr who believed the English monks to be spies. At the time of dissolution in 1537 there were only three monks here. Little survives of the abbey buildings and only the nave of the church, the largest in Wales, still stands. Stone from the abbey was used in the construction of the 17th century church (since demolished) and The Hall. The nearby mound and boating lake are part of the 19th century landscaping around the adjacent Hall Link. Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust Link

Castles of Wales page Link

The abbey ruins are Grade II* listed.

Abaty Cwm Hir (Cwmhir Abbey) Ruins and Lake The ruins of Abbey Cwmhir lie in the secluded valley of the Clywedog brook in a remote location typical of those chosen by the Cistercian order. The abbey was built in 1176, probably under the patronage of Cadwallon ap Madog of Maelienydd, as this area of Powys was then called.
The abbey was badly damaged in 1401-2 during the revolt of Owen Glyndwr who believed the English monks to be spies. At the time of dissolution in 1537 there were only three monks here.
Little survives of the abbey buildings and only the nave of the church, the largest in Wales, still stands. Stone from the abbey was used in the construction of the 17th century church (since demolished) and The Hall.
The nearby mound and boating lake are part of the 19th century landscaping around the adjacent Hall <a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1445756" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1445756">Link</a>.

Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.cpat.org.uk/projects/longer/abbeyc/abbeyc.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.cpat.org.uk/projects/longer/abbeyc/abbeyc.htm">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Castles of Wales page <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.castlewales.com/cwmhir.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.castlewales.com/cwmhir.html">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>

The abbey ruins are Grade II* listed.

Abaty Cwm Hir (Cwmhir Abbey) Ruins and Lake

The ruins of Abbey Cwmhir lie in the secluded valley of the Clywedog brook in a remote location typical of those chosen by the Cistercian order. The abbey was built in 1176, probably under the patronage of Cadwallon ap Madog of Maelienydd, as this area of Powys was then called. The abbey was badly damaged in 1401-2 during the revolt of Owen Glyndwr who believed the English monks to be spies. At the time of dissolution in 1537 there were only three monks here. Little survives of the abbey buildings and only the nave of the church, the largest in Wales, still stands. Stone from the abbey was used in the construction of the 17th century church (since demolished) and The Hall. The nearby mound and boating lake are part of the 19th century landscaping around the adjacent Hall Link. Clwyd Powys Archaeological Trust Link

Castles of Wales page Link

The abbey ruins are Grade II* listed.

Dam, Abbeycwmhir Lake Water from the lake overflows here into Cywedog Brook.

Dam, Abbeycwmhir Lake

Water from the lake overflows here into Cywedog Brook.

Abbeycwmhir Lake The lake, just to the south of the ruined abbey, was built as part of the 19th century landscaping associated with the nearby hall.

Abbeycwmhir Lake

The lake, just to the south of the ruined abbey, was built as part of the 19th century landscaping associated with the nearby hall.

Small Waterfall on Clywedog Brook Clywedog Brook, south of the lake at Abbey-Cwm-Hir

Small Waterfall on Clywedog Brook

Clywedog Brook, south of the lake at Abbey-Cwm-Hir

Show me another place!

Abbeycwmhir is located at Grid Ref: SO0571 (Lat: 52.331015, Lng: -3.389919)

Unitary Authority: Powys

Police Authority: Dyfed Powys

Also known as: Abbey-cwm-hir, Abaty Cwm-hir

What 3 Words

///visa.nutty.exactly. Near Rhayader, Powys

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.331015,-3.389919

Abbey Cwm-hir

Historic: ruins

Name Cy: Abaty Cwm-hir

Tourism: attraction

Lat/Long: 52.3298657/-3.3875522

Abbeycwmhir

Alt Name: Abbey Cwmhir

Place: hamlet

Source: OS_OpenData_StreetView

Wikidata: Q3405015

Lat/Long: 52.3313804/-3.3905287

Parking

Home Farm Yard

Access: permissive

Capacity: 5

Fee: no

Parking: surface

Surface: paved

Lat/Long: 52.3306163/-3.388741

Tourism: museum

Lat/Long: 52.3304573/-3.3886921

Post Box

Post Box Type: lamp

Ref: LD1 16

Royal Cypher: EIIR

Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102113

Lat/Long: 52.3311235/-3.3893546

Telephone

Booth: K6

Covered: booth

Operator: BT

Operator Wikidata: Q593786

Phone: +44 1597 851347

Lat/Long: 52.3307671/-3.3888128

The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

Abbey-cwm-hir Radnorshire

Abbas Combe Somerset

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