Cymer Abbey

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Monument.

Cymmer Abbey was probably established in 1198-99 and its confirmation granted by Llywelyn Fawr in 1209 as a Cistercian abbey. It lies on the E bank of the Afon Mawddach 1 km NE of its confluence with the Wnion. The principal remains are the uncompleted church with a W tower constructed c.1350, the cloister to the S of the church and the frater adjoining this to the S. Both cloister and frater have been robbed of stone almost to ground level.

The church is rectangular in plan and consists of three aisles. The E wall of the nave has three lancet windows, the central one being the tallest. To the W, the remains of solid side walls of the nave extend for approximately two-thirds of its length, beyond which, on the N, are three arcades. A piscina and sedilia remain in the S wall. The external angles of the tower are buttressed, and it is lighted by three narrow windows.

The frater is crossed from E to W by a well-constructed, stone-lined water channel which is probably post-mediaeval in date.

To the E and SE of the cloister, the modern farmyard overlies the positions of the chapter house, day room and reredorter.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of medieval ecclesiastical sites. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits. The structures themselves may be expected to contain archaeological information concerning chronology and building techniques.

The scheduled area comprises the remains described and areas around them within which related evidence may be expected to survive.