There is no doubt that Britain’s holiday industry would be greatly diminished if it wasn’t for the turbulent times that religious belief has suffered over the years. The wealth of the church created such magnificent buildings, from Aberdeen in the north, right through to Exeter and Truro in the south, and while these have remained relatively unscathed, Henry VIII’s reformation resulted in many others being knocked around in a rather unreligious way.
Yet in a strange way some of the ill treated buildings have a majesty all of their own. Whereas it is hard not to be in awe of York’s Minster, and Ely’s Cathedral, known as “The Ship of the Fens”, religious remains such as Rievaulx in Yorkshire and St. Hilda’s that glowers over Whitby have a beauty and a wistfulness all of their own.
One that often catches the eye is be the former Cistercian Abbey at Tintern on the banks of the River Wye. Approaching in either direction along the beautiful Wye Valley road, the A466, you will find your breath taken away by the first impression, and you would be hard put not to utter the timeless phrase, “how did they manage to build such a wonderful building without the modern equipment that we have today”.
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| Tintern Abbey |
It was founded in 1131, only the second Cistercian building in Britain, and the first in Wales. Its position rather set it apart from the heartland of Wales, and as a result it was more immune from the occasional Welsh uprisings that were a regular hazard in other parts of the country.
The Dissolution effectively ended its working life, however, some four hundred years later in 1536, although its ivy covered remains became a popular stopping off place during the late eighteenth century, when celebrities such J.M.W. Turner and Wordsworth were visitors.
A visit here can form the nucleus of a splendid day out, or even a short break running to a couple of days. Take in both Chepstow and Raglan Castles, as well as the Wye Valley itself and the Forest of Dean. Close by you will find historic towns such as Monmouth and Ross-on-Wye, which will easily fill your day tripping list, and there is great walking and cycling, and many other outdoor activities. Wine buffs will be pleased to visit the local vineyards, and there is fine fishing to be enjoyed on the Rivers Wye and Usk, both having the famous local salmon.
Enjoy local eating of a high quality at places such as the iconic Moon and Sixpence at Tintern or the Walnut Tree near Abergavenny.
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