Valle Crucis Abbey #1
by Ian Mitchell
Title
Valle Crucis Abbey #1
Artist
Ian Mitchell
Medium
Photograph - Photography
Description
Cistercian monks loved all things austere. Solitude ruled absolute. It was built in a remote yet magical location
Building work got underway in 1201. Seven centuries later and the abbey is one of the best preserved in Wales. Even the monks’ fishpond is still full of water!
From its cloister to chapter house, with striking rib-vaulted roof, this abbey was shaped by the devout nature of its inhabitants. The abbey was also remarkably self-sufficient thanks to the lay brethren. They were happy to leave the choir monks to their prayers while they got on with the job of tending the land. All friends together? Not quite. The monks observed their daily offices in the choir, separated by a screen from the lay brethren who worshipped in the nave of the abbey church.
Far from an easy life, Valle Crucis Abbey suffered a serious fire and numerous attacks but went on to earn a reputation for its appreciation of the literary arts. In 1535 it was ranked the second richest Cistercian monastery after Tintern. By this time, the Cistercians had relaxed their orthodox austerity. A comfortable heated suite was created for the abbot. This new found wealth and hospitality didn’t last long. Valle Crucis was duly dissolved by royal decree in 1537.
Uploaded
November 7th, 2013
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Comments (15)
Kandy Hurley
Congratulations Ian on being selected Artist of the month in the Art from the Past group…Well deserved
Jouko Lehto
Ian, You have been chosen to be the Artist of the Month in the Art from the Past group! Congratulations! I have have admired your skilled technique for a long time!
Ian Mitchell replied:
Wow thanks so much for Artist of the month and the compliment Jouko.....I'm proud and honored !!
Lenore Senior
Stunningly beautiful. You get so many gradations in your work, it just makes it all spectacular. Instand v/f
Marianne NANA Betts
wow !! this is so wonderful and surreal in black and white, Ian; love the details, texture and feel ! v/f ~ nana