St. Mary's Abbey Ruins

Bardsey Island, United Kingdom

Around 516, Saint Einion, king of Llyn, invited the Breton Saint Cadfan to move to the Bardsey Island from his first residence in Tywyn. Under Cadfan's guidance, St Mary's Abbey was built. In 1188, the abbey was still a local institution but, by 1212, it belonged to the Canons Regular. Many people still walk the journey to Aberdaron and Uwchmynydd each year in the footsteps of the saints, although today only ruins of the old abbey's 13th century bell tower remain. A Celtic cross amidst the ruins commemorates the 20,000 saints reputed to be buried on the island.

The Dissolution of the Lesser Monasteries Act of 1536, on the orders of Henry VIII, resulted in St Mary's Abbey being dissolved and its buildings demolished in 1537.

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Founded: 13th century
Category: Religious sites in United Kingdom

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