Neath Abbey, South Wales

Founded by Richard de Granville who controlled the area during the reign of Henry II.  He established as a daughter house of Savigny, an order of monks from Western Normandy.  An abbot and 12 monks came from Normandy to live at Neath. The Savigny and Cistercian orders merged and Neath Abbey became a Cistercian order in 1147.  At this time the area was isolated. The Cistercian order valued solitude and supported them selves primarily through farming.

By the end of the 13th century Neath was the second wealthiest abbey in Wales with 40-50 monks residing there and an even larger number of lay brothers all of whom worked on the estate. 

The ruins are primarily from the 12th and 13th centuries.  Although there was also a house built here after the dissolution when the abbey became part of a large estate granted to Richard Williams.

The abbey was attacked and damaged during the Welsh uprisings of the 13th century.

Neath today is somewhat neglected, owned by CADW the site is now undergoing repairs and it is hoped that this will further protect the ruins.