Tintern Abbey, Precinct Wall

Cadw's description

Summary description and reason for designation

The following provides a general description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument consists of the remains of the medieval precinct wall associated with Tintern Abbey. The wall encloses an area of 11ha and was entered by two gateways, on the landward side through the Great Gate, and on the waterfront through the Watergate. Part of the structure of the Great Gate and the associated chapel are incorporated into St Anne's House, while the Watergate is attached to the Anchor Hotel and is scheduled separately (MM265). The precinct wall would originally have been continuous but has been reduced over the centuries to 10 extant stretches. The wall was constructed from sandstone rubble laid in lime mortar with a coarse aggregate. In places square putlog holes survive. The wall survives to a height of 2.5m and is 0.9m wide.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of construction practices and defensive organisation. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits.

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