First stop was Tintern Abbey.
Tintern was a cistercian foundation started in 1131. Most of the abbey buildings are gone but the church is fairly complete (it has lost its roof and window tracery). It was "refound" in the 18th century first by the Buck brothers prints, Gilpin's voyages down the Rye from Ross and finally by Wordsworth. Today it is in the care of CADW and scrubbed of the ivy and the stone floors laid to grass. Jenkins dislikes this (Wales Churches, Houses and Castles) I'm not sure I agree but life is about opinions. I must say the site seems a bit hemmed in by the 20th century I wish it was more isolated like Byland in Yorkshire. In October I hope to visit the other great Welsh Abbey Llanthony Priory which is very isolated.
I went for a stroll.
The Kymin is a National Trust property I have never visited. It's a picnic house with a kitchen below and banquetting room above. It was built for the Kymin club of Monmouth but anyone could use it at a cost of 6d payable to the housekeeper if you brought your own food or a shilling if you wished her to serve you tea.
Nelson and Lady Hamilton breakfasted here in 1802. Nelson was pleased to see himself listed on the temple next to the Kymin celebrating British Admirals.
Next to Raglan castle which is an oddity. Whereas most Welsh castle were established by the Normans to suppress the Welsh, Raglan was built in the 15th century. Raglan's heyday was the 16th century when it was one of the great renaissance house of Britain. Little remains of that today but you can see hints. In the 17th Century with the family becoming Dukes of Beaufort the castle was abandoned and the family moved to their other seat Badminton (apparently Badminton's great parlour chimney came from Raglan). Alas Badminton is not open to the public (groups can visit the gardens) Jenkins (him again) suggests it is one of the few great houses you can't visit, I respect the families right but oh I wish.
I headed back to Tintern and checked into the hotel and then went for a stroll!!
Don't get used to the blue skies! Tomorrow? HEAVY RAIN
1 comment:
Super photos - I love all of the places you have visited today and it looks as though you are staying in a great location. Hope weather is better than forecast tomorrow!
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