Neath Abbey
Founded in 1129 by Sir Richard de Granville for Savigniac monks from Normandy. The first Savigniac monks settled here in 1130, but in 1147 their order merged with the Cistercians, and Neath was developed along typical Cistercian lines. The abbey became quite wealthy, with estates in the West Country and throughout Glamorgan. The abbey expanded greatly in the 13th and 14th centuries, with a major rebuilding of the church over the years 1280-1330.
Neath was badly damaged during the Welsh rebellions against the Normans during the 13th century, but survived until it was dissolved by Henry VII in 1539. After the Dissolution the property was granted to Sir Richard Williams, and it was he, or his son, who created a large Tudor mansion over part of the cloister range. The house later came into the ownership of Sir John Herbert, but it fell out of use in the later 17th century.
Tudor historian John Leland once famously called Neath "the fairest abbey in all Wales", though he saw the site before parts of it was used for copper smelting in the early 18th century. Eventually Neath was completely abandoned and the buildings left to decay.
Neath is especially notable for its collection of earthenware floor tiles (some of which now grace the National Museum of Wales). Look for the tiles depicting the famous single combat between Richard the Lionheart and Saladin.
The best surviving part of the abbey church is perhaps the night stair, which led sleepy monks from their dormitory to the church for prayers. Above the stair is a wonderfully carved human head, but much of the original stonework elsewhere has been lost.
Source: Britain Express
