Talley Abbey

Talley Abbey, Carmarthenshire

 What's the first word that springs to mind when you think of Talley Abbey? That's right it's Premonstratensian. As Talley Abbey is the only house of premonstratensian canons in  Wales – hardly surprising really, but I would blame their marketing people. Even so, what we have left to us today is a delightful piece of welsh history – a small ruin in a superb location. There is not much left to see, only a part of its old tower and a few walls, but the real joy is just to be there, in this unique setting,  and feel the atmosphere the abbey generates.

 In its day, plans show that it was quite a substantial building – the church that now stands alongside was built on the footprint of the old abbey, using the stones from its demolished walls. A walk through the churchyard shouldn't be missed - with its lichen-covered gravestones, rusty railings and unruly yew trees giving it a character, fast disappearing in our modern world. And of course beyond the churchyard walls are the shimmering waters of Talley Lakes, a treasure of the Carmarthenshire countryside with their own story to tell.