Talley Abbey (Cadw)Historic SiteTalley was founded in the 1180s by Rhys ap Gruffydd (‘The Lord Rhys’, native ruler of the south Wales kingdom of Deheubarth) for the monks of the Premonstratensian order. This was the first and only abbey in Wales for the Premonstratensians, monks who were also known as the ‘White Canons’ from the colour of their habit.
The church tower, standing almost to its full height, is the most impressive feature of the ruined abbey, which never enjoyed the wealth and success of the Cistercian religious settlements – quite widespread throughout Wales – that inspired it. Lack of funds meant that the church was never fully completed, though the outline of the footings demonstrates the scale and ambition of its design. The ruins stand in an idyllic setting beside Talley’s twin lakes.TalleyLlandeiloCarmarthenshireSA19 7AXUnited Kingdom51.976448097394-3.992328643799http://www.showmewales.co.uk/?dms=3&venue=1123640
Talley Abbey (Cadw)
Historic Site, free entry
Talley Abbey
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Details
Talley was founded in the 1180s by Rhys ap Gruffydd (‘The Lord Rhys’, native ruler of the south Wales kingdom of Deheubarth) for the monks of the Premonstratensian order. This was the first and only abbey in Wales for the Premonstratensians, monks who were also known as the ‘White Canons’ from the colour of their habit.
The church tower, standing almost to its full height, is the most impressive feature of the ruined abbey, which never enjoyed the wealth and success of the Cistercian religious settlements – quite widespread throughout Wales – that inspired it. Lack of funds meant that the church was never fully completed, though the outline of the footings demonstrates the scale and ambition of its design. The ruins stand in an idyllic setting beside Talley’s twin lakes.
Opening Details
Open all the time
Daily 10:00am - 4.00pm. Closed 24, 25, 26 December and 1 January. Last admission 30 minutes before closing.
Map reference: SN 632327 Lat: 51.97645 Long: -3.99233
From the A40 just north-east of Llandeilo, take the B4302 to Talley and turn left in the village where signed to the Abbey. Follow this road and access to the Abbey is by the church.
Parking: free
Accessible by Public Transport: 7.5 miles from Llandeilo station
Talley Abbey (Cadw)
Talley Abbey (Cadw)
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Plan route using Google maps
Local Accommodation
Regional Tourist Board Member
Children welcome
Dogs accepted
Smoking not allowed
