DOCUMENT NO 570 Dec 2022

PRNE007112

A.P.A.C. Ltd.
Archaeological Perspectives Analysis Consultancy

ARCHAEOLOGICAL DESK-BASED ASSESSMENT

DK/AH/22
The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

Monmouthshire County Council

PREPARED BY MR A PHILLIPS & DR N PHILLIPS

12/12/2022
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Summary

This Desk-Based Assessment has been prepared at the request of the client in order to
better inform a proposed planning application.

The application site comprises a complex of buildings: now derelict but formerly ‘The
Abbey Hotel” Tintern, all of which stand within the outer precinct of Tintern Abbey.

The desk-based assessment is a compilation of accessible information about the property,

within its setting, required to assess the potential for archaeological resources that may
be disturbed by the proposed development.

The desk-based assessment has interpreted risks as high, for some aspects of the proposed
development, therefore a programme of archaeological works is recommended to mitigate
any impact on archaeological resources.

Gwesty’r Abaty, Tyndyrn

Paratowyd yr Asesiad Pen-Desg hwn ar gais y cleient er mwyn hel gwybodaeth ar

gyfer cais cynllunio arfaethedig.

Cynnwys safle’r datblygiad glwstwr o adeiladau dydd bellach wedi mynd â’u pennau
iddynt ond a fu gynt yn ffurfio “Gwesty’r Abaty”, Tyndyrn, a’r rheini’n sefyll ar dir o
fewn caeadle allanol Abaty Tyndyrn.

Casgliad yw’r asesiad pen-desg o wybodaeth am yr eiddo o fewn ei leoliad sy’n

angenrheidiol er mwyn asesu’r potensial ar gyfer tarfu ar adnoddau archeolegol yn
ystod y datblygiad arfaethedig.

Amlygodd yr asesiad pen-desg risgiau ar wahanol raddau i’r adnoddau archeolegol

yn ystod y datblygiad arfaethedig. Fel canlyniad, argymhellir rhaglen o weithiau
archeolegol er lliniaru unrhyw effaith ar adnoddau archeolegol o’r fath.

Copyright Notice:
A.P.A.C. Ltd. retains the copyright of this report under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988.

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577) to reproduce map information; the Copyright remains
otherwise with the Ordnance Survey.

Cover photograph: SM091600. Abbey Hotel Tintern. 08/12/2022

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Contents

Summary ......................................................................................................................................... 1
Contents ........................................................................................................................................... 2
Figures ............................................................................................................................................. 3
Plates ............................................................................................................................................... 3
Appendix ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................... 4
Location ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Geology ........................................................................................................................................... 4
Topography ..................................................................................................................................... 5
Scope and objectives of the study ................................................................................................... 5
Methodology ................................................................................................................................... 5
Brief Archaeological History .......................................................................................................... 6
Desk-top Assessment and Baseline conditions ............................................................................. 14
Archaeological Sites and Their Significance ................................................................................ 14
Predicted Impacts of the proposal on known Archaeology........................................................... 14
Proposed Avoidance or Mitigation Measures ............................................................................... 15
Predicted Impacts of the Proposal on the Setting of Nearby Heritage Assets .............................. 15
Acknowledgements ....................................................................................................................... 16
Archive .......................................................................................................................................... 16
Staff ............................................................................................................................................... 16
Bibliography and References: ....................................................................................................... 17
Copyright ....................................................................................................................................... 19

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Figures

01 Site Location map

02 Site plan with estimated, building periods
03a Heritage Asset Map
03b Heritage Asset Map, Abbey Precinct wall
04 HER map
05a & b Early Cartographic maps
06a - e Map progressions.
07 Internal northern wall of Southern building. Church & Site Archaeology 2013
08 Northern gable of eastern cross range, Church & Site Archaeology 2013.
09 South elevation of Southern range, possible earlier foundation. Church & Site Archaeology 2013.
10 Western track wall, possible precinct wall. Church & Site Archaeology 2013.
11 North elevation of northern range and north gable of eastern range, 1903. FCBS 2022.
12 View of the Hotel complex in 1920. FCBS 2022
13 Plan of the culvert

Plates

01. View of the southern elevation main building. Tintern Abbey to right providing
evidence of proximity

02. South elevation of the main building, right. Southwest outer building, left. To the
rear, central, large masonry chimney stack of western building over the track to the
lime kiln.

03. Eastern gable ends of both building ranges and extension to the southern building

04. View along the southern elevation of the main building. Eastern single-storey
extension, bottom right

05. Eastern gables of both main ranges and south-east single storey extension and
southern lean-to

06. Northern elevation of the northern range. External stair above the arch door. Note
the stark contrast and erosion of the red sandstone against the limestone masonry.

07. View along the trackway towards the village centre. Note the straight aspect and
gradient, suggestive of the tramway. On the left above the wall is an old building,
commemorated as a stray animal pound.

08. Detail of capping stone below section of rendered wall. The feature does not
continue for full length

09. Detached building to the west of the trackway. Note the size of the chimney stack

Appendix

Appendix 1 Cadw: Scheduled Monument descriptions, a, MM102, b, MM157, c, MM290

Appendix II MCC Archaeology in Planning, Planning Advisory Note, 2020 pp 31 - 33
Appendix 1II Excerpt 1763 Aram Estate Map
Appendix 1V CIFA Standards and Guidance DBA
Appendix V Photograph List

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Introduction

This Desk Based assessment, (DBA) has been prepared by Mr A Phillips and Dr N Phillips, A.P.A.C. Ltd, in response
to a building project proposed by the client’s agent: FeildenCleggBradleyStudios. (FCBS). The initial stage of the
proposed project requires a feasibility assessment, as the site lies within an area well known for its historical
importance, and also its close proximity to several Scheduled Monuments, (SM), Appendix I: a, b, & c.

This DBA will seek to present all of the accessible, known information about the site, as an archaeological resource,
which, can then be used to access the proposed development in terms of predicted impact and possible mitigation
requirements to remove or reduce any negative impact.

The property that is the focus of this DBA is The Abbey Hotel in Tintern, formerly, known as The Beaufort Arms
and the Beaufort Arms Hotel. The property comprises a range of buildings of varied date, some relatively recent, but
others with a potential 18th-century origin. The land on which the property stands is also known to have been part of
the 12th century Tintern Abbey, Appendix Ia. outer precinct, Appendix Ib.

Formerly a hotel, the commercial property closed in the early 21st century and has been decaying ever since. There
was a proposal to develop the site in 2012 but this never came to fruition; Monmouthshire County Council (MCC),
DC/2012/00620 & DC/2012/00621. The property, although not listed, is set within an outer perimeter of the well-
known Grade I listed, Tintern Abbey No: 24037.

In undertaking this DBA, APAC. Ltd noted the need to be aware of planning policies:

Local Development Plan Policies (LDP);

S17 – Place Making and Design
DES1 – General Design Considerations, pp164-5 2014

Planning (Listed Buildings and Conservation Areas) Act 1990

Planning Policy Wales Chapter 6
Technical Advice Note TAN 24
Managing Change Documents
Reference is also made to the following Managing Change Documents supporting TAN 24;
• Managing Conservation Areas
• Managing Historic Character
• Managing the Setting of Historic Assets

Also, worth noting is Monmouth County Council (MCC) Archaeology in Planning, Planning Advisory Note Sept
2020 relevant pages included in Appendix II.

A Written Scheme of Investigation, (WSI) was written and submitted to the client before the DBA was compiled,
WSI: DK/AH/22.

Location

The location of the site is on the southwest of the A466 at Tintern and adjacent to Tintern Abbey. The address is The
Abbey Hotel, Monmouth Rd, Tintern, NP16 6SF, and grid ref: NGR: ST 353227/199903. fig 01.

Geology

The solid geology at the site is Tintern Group Old Red Sandstone (BGS 2022).

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Topography

The Hotel complex occupies a 620m², irregularly shaped parcel of land on the lower, afforested slopes, of Chapel
Hill. The complex includes a car park and a series of buildings of various periods, which have transformed, through
annexes, lean-to’s, outshuts and new builds, into a homologous, roughly triangular, structure, fig 02. The plan is from
the 2012 proposed development, DC/2012/00620, which has been adapted by FCBS, to show preliminary, estimated
periods of the build; expressed as graduations of significance. The higher significance being the older building
sections.

NB as the building is in a potentially dangerous state, it was not possible to verify or update these plans.

Scope and objectives of the study

The purpose of the desk-based assessment, in accordance with standards and guidelines as laid down by the Chartered
Institute for Archaeologists, Appendix III, is to gain information about the known or potential archaeological resource
within the given area (including presence or absence, character and extent, date, integrity, state of preservation and
relative quality of the potential archaeological resource), in order to assess its merit in context, leading to one or more
of the following:

• the formulation of a strategy to ensure the recording, preservation, or management of the resource.
• the formulation of a strategy for further investigation, whether or not intrusive, where the character
and value of the resource is not sufficiently defined to permit a mitigation strategy or other response
to be devised.
• the formulation of a proposal for further archaeological investigation within a programme of research.

Methodology

For the purposes of the archaeological desk-based study, the following repositories were consulted:

• A.P.A.C. Ltd. Archive material (APAC)

• British Listed Buildings (BLB)
• Cadw (CW) online portal Cof Cwmry
• Glamorgan Gwent Archaeological Trust, Historic Environment Record (HER)
• Gwent Archive (GA)
• FCBS
• Online searches
• Site Visit

NB above alphabetical order for the list only and not the order of work.

The assessment methods used, followed that detailed in Standard and Guidance for historic environment desk-based
assessment, CIFA 2017, updated 2020.

The significance of the impact on the cultural heritage has been assessed with regard to the category of the
individual site or landscape, based on the following criteria:

• No impact: No impact on sites or landscapes.

• Minor impact: Slight damage to sites or landscapes.
• Moderate impact: Small loss due to damage to sites or landscape.
• Major impact: Significant damage or destruction of sites or landscapes.
• Severe impact: Total destruction of sites or landscapes.

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Brief Archaeological History

The Tintern area, overview.

The Tintern area has long been associated with the beginnings of modern tourism, supplying curious 18th-century
travellers with glimpses of a romanticised past; however, the full story is much more complex and reaches back into
prehistory.

The hills around Tintern have yielded evidence of prehistoric settlement with Bronze Age cairns and Iron Age hill
forts, whilst a little further north, the limestone gorge sides of the Wye Valley have various palaeolithic cave sites. At
most points of the compass from Tintern, are various remains of Roman infrastructure or settlement, which, with time,
gave way to early medieval and Saxon interest. The antiquarian Bradney recollects an early reference to Tintern, with
the story of Tewdrig ap Teithfallt, a king of Gwent and Morganwg in the fifth century, who had retired to Tintern, to
live the life of a Hermit and was killed by a Saxon lance. (Bradney 1913. P255).

Sir Joseph Bradney was a 19th traveller and historian who wrote a 12-part multivolume of books detailing the history
of Monmouthshire. Of Tintern, he wrote mostly of the Abbey and its history, though he does detail information about
the village and its populace between 1801 and 1901 –

‘Chapel Hill is the name by which this parish is generally known, but by the older people, it is often
called Abbey Tintern, after the ecclesiastical building for which the place is famous. In Welsh, it is
Llanandras from the dedication of the church of St Andrew. The parish contains 1307 acres of land and
4 acres of inland water, 40 acres of tidal water and 27 acres of foreshore in the river Wye.’

Unfortunately, Bradney tends to be a bit lapse with his sources now and again.

The most overt archaeological resource is, without doubt, the later medieval presence of the Tintern Abbey complex,
a grade I listed building and scheduled monument, it is thought to have been founded on 9th May 1131 by Walter Fitz
Richard of Clare, Lord of Chepstow, as the first Cistercian house in Wales (Cadw MM102), Appendix 1a. The abbey,
like many other monastic buildings, fell into ruin after the dissolution by Henry VIII in the 16th century; however,
interest in the building continued: gradually contributing to 'The Gentleman’s Tour’ which gave birth to tourism, as
we know it today.

The earliest, visit based on leisure may be that of John Taylor, who: at midnight on the 19th of August 1641:

left Bristoll, and with the tyde past down the river to Kingroad, where I lay at the Hole mouth
(as they call it) till the flood came, and day light beginning to appeare, with the same tyde I past
the broad water twelve miles to the River of Wye in Monmouthshire: that day I past by
Cheapstow, by the old Abbey of Tinterne, and to little Tinterne where I lay all that night, in a
very cleanly wholesome welch English Alehouse
Taylor 1641 in https://sublimewales.wordpress.com/tintern

NB. The ‘very cleanly wholesome welch English Alehouse’ is more than likely to have been the Anchor Inn, (see
APAC Archive Ltd, below).

A less publicised aspect of the Tintern area is its involvement in the burgeoning industrial industry. Iron working and
processing sites sprang up along the Angidy Valley, which can be dated to at least 1566, when the Company of Mineral
& Battery Works were granted letters patent to begin production of Wire making (Donald, M.B. 1961 pp 86-90). The
Companies’ negotiated sites were along the banks of the Angidy river, which opens to the Wye at Tintern and various
infrastructures of tracks, culverts, blast furnaces, calcining ovens, dams and ponds and charcoal burning platforms,
etc have been identified (see APAC. Ltd., variously listed below). Considerations for the choice of the site were:

• the waterpower source for various water-driven engines

• available trees for charcoal, close by which reduced transportation costs
• nearby ores, again reduction of transportation costs
• river transportation, which led to the building of a quay at Tintern. There was no road at this time until, 1829
(GM 2012), but the Wye was a major shipping and shipbuilding location.

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• Possible workforce with metalworking skill remaining from brass production at Tintern Abbey (Courtney,
1998. Pp 111 121).

As a matter of interest: the river forms the boundary between the estates of the Duke of Beaufort and the Duke of
Pembroke, the latter being more amenable to the Company of Mineral and Battery works, as the landlord (Donald op.
cit.). In general, north of the Angidy at Tintern the heritage remains are mostly Industrial whereas to the south, they
are secular or pastoral.

Historic Assessment

To glean further information about the general area, a 500m radial Historic Assessment Map (HAM) search was
conducted, using the Cadw database: Cof Cymru for, https://cadw.gov.wales/advice-support/cof-cymru. The search
area was centred on the given National Grid Reference for the group of buildings; NGR ST 353226 199901. This was
then reproduced for use in this report. fig 03a.

The search details 9 listed buildings, (LB) 4 Scheduled Monuments, (SM) and the Tintern conservation area. The
listings are given below –

Name Number Grade Reason

The Anchor, PH. 24032 II Included for its historic
Including the Watergate interest as part of the
abbey group and probable
medieval building.
Tintern Abbey 24037 I Included and highly
graded as an exceptionally
fine and well-preserved
ruin of a late C13 Abbey
church and its conventual
buildings, which became
famous for their beauty
and interest in the C18 and
were a key factor in the
development of
'Picturesque' tourism
Former Diary of St Anne’s 24050 II Included for group value
House with St Anne's House.
St Annes’s House 2501 II* Included at II* as a rare
survival of a medieval
monastic building in
domestic use and with
historic interest as a part of
the precinct buildings of
Tintern Abbey
Revetment Wall of 24057 II Included as a churchyard
Churchyard at Church of wall retaining its character
St Mary and adjoining flanked by a particularly
Paved Road of Chapel good (probably) early C19
Hill paved road which survives
in unaltered condition
Former Church of St Mary 2054 II Included mainly for the
restoration by John
Prichard, the Diocesan
architect of Llandaff, as a
part of his work of
restoring the medieval
churches in the diocese.
Despite the fire damage,
the church retains

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considerable architectural
interest.
Tomb with Pyramid in 24051 II Included as a fine and rare
Churchyard of Former late C18 or early C19 neo-
Church of St Mary classical tomb.
Tomb with Sarcophagus 24052 II Included as a fine and rare
in Churchyard of Former early C19 neo-classical
Church of St Mary tomb.
Tomb of J S Brown in 25053 II Included as a fine and rare
Churchyard of the Former early C19 neo-classical
Church of St Mary tomb.
Tintern Abbey, Watergate MM265 SM National Importance
Tintern Abbey, inner MM102 SM National Importance
precinct
Tintern Abbey, Precinct MM157 SM National Importance
Wall
Colwell Grove, Limekiln MM290 SM National Importance
and Quarry
Tintern Conservation area

NB fig 3a Unfortunately, The Abbey precinct wall, MM157 doesn’t show up very well at the overall scale, so a further
map of the search was produced, showing the building’s placement within the inner and outer precinct walls of the
abbey, fig 03b. The information would suggest a high potential for archaeological finds if any ground disturbance
were to take place as the building likely falls within the catchment area of the 12th-century abbey grounds.

Discussion of Historic Asset data, Cadw.

The listings above were very useful as they revealed a majority of heritage resources of medieval and sacred nature;
one exception being the limekiln MM290. The latter is possibly related to the more industrial and secular, heritage
resources that populate the village to the north of the Angidy river, (see Tintern Area Overview above).

APAC Ltd archive

The APAC, Archive contains a back catalogue of several archaeological projects undertaken in the Tintern area. These
provided a general reference of the area, and pre-researched details and documentation.

 2007 BRS/TT/07, Building Recording Survey. The Bay, Tintern

 2008 DBA/TAP/08 Desk Based Assessment Proposed Hydro-Electric Project, Angidy River, Tintern
 2012 EV/ANC/12 Archaeological Evaluation, the Anchor Inn Tintern
 2015 WB/PTT/15 Archaeological Watching Brief, Public Toilets Tintern
 2016 BS/AT/16. Level II Building Survey, The Anchor Tintern
 2017 WB/AT/16 Archaeological Watching Brief The Anchor Inn car park Tintern
 2018 WB/AIT/18 Archaeological Watching Brief, The Anchor Inn, Tintern
 Aram, J., 1763 Beaufort Estate Plan
 Courtney, P., 1989 Excavations at Tintern
 Various 18th & 19th-century Wye Tour books

This industrial period may be the reason for the limekiln MM290, which as the Cadw listing describes is from the 19th
century with two drawing arches and various trackways, ramps, and walls.

Three of the APAC projects dealt with another of the inns in Tintern; probably the oldest, The Anchor Inn. This
building is part of the Abbey Precinct, Watergate and would have provided ferry service, along the river. A watching
brief outside the Anchor Inn, WB/AT/16, and another in the Anchor Inn car park WB/AIT/18, impacted upon instances
of drainage channels and some building structures.

As well as in-house reports, the archive contains sources for the reports such as a copy of the work by Paul Courtney
in 1989 (pp 99-143), on the 13th c aisled Guest Hall in the western outer precinct of the Tintern Abbey. As well as

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evidence of iron smithing and bell founding, the excavation revealed extensive water management systems with a
wealth of artefactual, dating evidence.

Assessment of APAC archive data

Although none of the work undertaken by APAC Ltd was close to the Abbey Hotel, the Hotel is within the outer
precinct of the Abbey and so has some relevance, particularly with drainage, (see below). Even more, weight must be
given to the excavation findings of Courtney.

HER search GGAT

A Historic Environment Search, (HER) was also conducted on the site, centred on the NGR, Fig 04. The information
provided by the search was then adapted to show any areas near the site which have already undergone Archaeological
investigation. This information can also be used to facilitate any future proposals.
Courtney Excavation in the outer Precinct of Tintern Abbey

Assessment of HER data

Cartographic sources

 Aram, J., 1763 Beaufort Estate Plan

 1831 1st Series Ordnance Survey, sheet 35
 Gloucestershire Ordnance Survey maps: 1887,1903,1922,1924 & 2022

To gain further knowledge of the building’s past, cartographic sources of the area were assessed and reproduced as
figures within this report. The first source to be used is Paul Courtney’s 1989 document: Excavations in the Outer
Precinct of Tintern Abbey. His drawing: fig 05a, is a much clearer adaption from the earlier 1763 map, (NLW
Badminton maps vol. 2. Map 6); a section of which is included in Appendix III. The re-drawn map, fig 05a, shows
a few buildings southwest of the abbey, where the Abbey Hotel complex is now located. Although, this map doesn’t
confirm the Abbey Hotel's existence; (especially as at this point the road system is distinctly different), when used, in
conjunction with the knowledge presented below, (see Documentary), as well as, the positioning of Tintern Abbey, it
is reasonable to infer that one of the buildings relates to the Abbey Hotel complex. In addition, as the Hotel was then
called the Beaufort Arms, and managed by the Duke of Beaufort’s man, it would seem unlikely that his grace would
not have included it on his estate map.

C&SA 2013 offer a counter interpretation, questioning the Beaufort Arms on Aram’s Map which will be discussed
below in FCBS.

The following 1830 first series map of Tintern, fig 05b, is equally ambiguous; Tintern Abbey can be made out with
the annotation, plus its recognisable shape. Towards the west, the map indicates two parallel buildings, in an enclosed
path system, which may relate to the outer precinct, Cadw MM157). The probable Abbey Hotel is within the red
circle, St Annes House, Grade II* C13/C14 fabric (Cadw 2501) to the left, and to the rear the lane to the lime kiln
south, up the hill.

It is worth adding a note of caution here; in Leigh’s Guide to Wales & Monmouthshire, 1831 he states –

‘Near the Abbey are a few cottages , termed by the inhabitants Abbey Tintern, so to distinguish itself from
Tintern, which is a mile distant. Amidst these cottages is the Beaufort Arms Inn, where tourists will find
comfortable accommodation’.
(Leigh 1831. P. 347).

The information above in Leigh’s tour of Monmouth suggested that the Beaufort Arms was nestled in amongst other
cottages in 1831, which could suggest that the early Hotel was one of these buildings, with the others being cottages.

The first accurate portrayal of the Abbey Hotel can be found on the 1887 map, fig 06a. At this point, it is clearly called
the Beaufort Arms Hotel, which corroborates the earlier accounts to be considered below. The whole complex appears
to consist of two parallel buildings as indicated in fig 06b above, and annexes or outbuildings. The complex consists
of a main east-west range with extensions to the north, including one offset to the northeast and an additional “L”
shaped annexe to the east. North of the main building is a north-south outbuilding and a larger rectangular building.

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Along the western side is a trackway separating another north-south building. All are arranged in the remnants of a
managed orchard.

When the 1903 map, was produced, fig 06b, cartographic conventions produced a sharper edge to buildings but
removed a lot of the detail from the previous map. Hence, the earlier two northern buildings are amalgamated, and
the main building is shown as a plain rectangle. With the possible exception of the northern range, the depiction is
unlikely to be representative of the building and more so of the stylised rendition. The detached western building still
remains apart from the complex.

The 1922 map; fig 06c appears to show the northern buildings have had a small extension added to the north and an
intervening rectangle between the two main ranges. The southern range features a small extension to its eastern edge.
Little else appears to have changed as far as the footprint is concerned; however, what is not shown is a redevelopment
that occurred internally between 1910 to 1912, Gwent Archives D902.10 & D361.

The later map in 1924 reveals no further change, fig 06d, though it does confirm the title, The Beaufort Arms Hotel.

Modern mapping, fig 06e shows the building as it currently stands, as a large complex of buildings that would appear
to have been amalgamated out of the earlier buildings: the northern and southern ranges joined. This configuration
tallies with the 2012 map, fig 02, The small building to the west, however, still stands alone, separated by the track as
shown on the earliest map.

Discussion of Cartographic Sources

The mapping above, therefore, confirms the existence of a building in roughly the right area, since at least 1763.
However, it is not until 1880 that the building is confirmed as the Beaufort Arms, at that time a hotel. Another
important consideration is the confirmation of the outer Tintern Abbey precinct wall and the trackway to the west.

Documentary evidence

 Barber, J.T., 1803. APAC archive

 Barford, M., 1758, online sublimewales
 Byng, J., 1781, APAC archive
 Leigh, S. 1831, APAC archive
 Mytton, T., 1776, online sublimewales
 Taylor., J. 1641, online sublimewales
 Warren, R., Revd, 1798. sublimewales

The advent of tourism has been introduced above, and with it; especially considering the difficulties of access before
the road was built, must come the question of accommodation and refreshments. As noted above, (Tintern overview),
Taylor enjoyed a night’s stay at a ‘welch English Alehouse’ but unfortunately doesn’t name it. In all likelihood, this
was probably the Anchor Inn which was also the ferry point. The same is true of the American Quaker Fisher in 1775
who wrote of:

‘dining in an alehouse in the village the situation of which is in a most sequestered Vale’,
https://sublimewales.wordpress.com/attractions/tintern.

A year later, a traveller to Tintern commented on land access, and his refreshments: ‘25/6/1776 Road from Monmouth
to Chepstow, through Tintern and between hills covered with woods; no travelling for a chaise, Tintern, dined at
Beaufort Arms and ale house’, (Mytton, T., SRO 1037/27/41, p.4).

Arguably, once the leisure activity of tourism became more evident, visitors and their requirements became more of
a commercial prospect for those able to capitalise. Writing in 1758, the Reverend Barford, related that in about 1756
Charles Somerset (1706-1756) the then Duke of Beaufort arranged for the interior of Tintern Abbey ruins to be cleared
out; doors and gates were fitted to control access to the interior, Barford, 1758 MS2.727, pp.18-22.

A later visitor in 1781 confirms the story that accesses to the Abbey is still barred with gate, door and key and suggests
that the current Duke of Beaufort still visits and keeps the ruins in ‘highest preservation’. The visitor also seems to
have planned ahead; ‘The way to enjoy Tintern Abbey properly and at leisure, is to bring wines, cold meat, with corn
for horses (bread, beer, cider, and commonly salmon, may be had at the Beaufort Arms:)’ He planned to spread his

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table amongst the ruins but ended up in the kitchen of the alehouse with salmon and tolerable ale, (Byng 1781 Bod
Lib Eng.misc.d.237) https://sublimewales.wordpress.com/attractions/tintern.

Just to correlate the information so far: by the latter half of the 18th century, The Duke of Beaufort is the owner of the
Abbey ruins which is the focus of tourist interest, and he has controlled access to them with lockable doors and
shutters. The keys thereof were held by the landlord of the Beaufort Arms, itself, adjacent to the Abbey. Furthermore,
the landlord provided tours of the Abbey whilst his inn, the Beaufort Arms, was the venue for refreshments and
possibly concessionary river transport.

We slowly descended the hill, indulging the reflections which the view had inspired, and crossing
the Wye for last time, proceeded to the Beaufort Arms, a very comfortable inn, kept by Mr
Gething, the antiquary and historian of the village’.

(Warren, R., Revd, 1798. Pg 227).

We put up at the Beaufort arms, the landlord of which, Mr. Gething, holds the key of the ruin,
and who, extraordinary as it may seem, unites civility and kindness with upwards of forty years
initiation into the business of an inn-keeper and, as the neighbours say, a well lined purse’.
(Barber, J.T., 1803. P266)

Discussion of Documentary Sources

The documentary sources have been crucial in determining a time-linked narrative for the Hotel, starting with the
securing of Tintern Abbey in 1758, and its clearing of rubble, at the expense of the Duke of Beaufort. At a similar
time, he refurbishes a possible nearby building as an inn, and installs a landlord/security guard/guide/victualler, to
provide for the increasing tourist trade. The premise is confirmed by multiple, dated, contemporary accounts, one of
which even infers that the landlord in 1803 had been in that position for 40 years.

Ownership of Tintern Abbey and The Beaufort Hotel: refurbished with gothic architectural features remains with the
Beaufort Estate until 1901, after which both are bought by the crown.

Gwent Archives

 D902/10.
 D361

The archives provide a file of plans, and various proposals relating to the development of the site in 1910, D902/10.
Other than confirming the separate nature of the two main buildings shown in the 19th-century OS maps, they were of
little help in providing an earlier date for the complex.

One line of text in a ledger of specifications and alterations, was of interest, however: p4: ‘empty any vault, opening
etc which may be exposed, and fill same with concrete, arch or fill in any old culverts or drains as may be discovered.

Discussion of Gwent Archive sources

In terms of heritage assets, the potential for subterranean voids worthy of mention must lead to questions of position,
extent, purpose, and period. Especially, when considering the position of the buildings, within the Abbey precinct.
The Cistercians who built the Abbey are known for their water management constructions; some of these are visible
in the currently exposed ruins to the north. Others were exposed during a watching brief at the Anchor car park (APAC,
Ltd WB/AT/16).

FCBS information

The client provided the details of the planning proposal and contracted APAC. Ltd to undertake the project. In
addition, they were able to supply some data from the earlier planning applications that were used within this report.

The information used was:

 1912 floor plan, GM 2012 adapted from annotated 2022, fig 02.

11
 A.P.A.C. Ltd The Abbey Hotel, Tintern DK/AH/22

 Desk Based Assessment for DC/2012?00620. Church & Site Archaeology (C&SA) 2013.
 2089- The Abbey Hotel/The Beaufort Arms Hotel- Historic Photos figs 07 – 10
 Plan showing potential culver across the car park.

Discussion of FCBS information

As the building was unsafe to enter at the time of the site visit, current floor plan information is unavailable so the
2012 plans by GM, 2012 as supplied by FCBS, were used, fig 02.

It will be suggested below: in the discussion of mitigation measures, that further work needs to be done to better
understand the chronological dating of the component parts of the complex. The reason being that the current dating
is heavily influenced by discreet portions of building fabric remains; whose provenance has yet to be established.
What is clear, however, is that the two apparently earlier structures; those aligned lengthwise west/east, are not
contemporary, because they are not parallel or at right angles to one another, as would be expected with
contemporarily constructed buildings.

Some insight into the unavailable, internal structure was provided by (C&SA, 2013 p17) a photograph of the internal
northern elevation of the southern range shows gothic arched doors and windows or niches, (fig 07). The photograph
is not that clear in the copy provided, but the coursed squared masonry is very well preserved, and there is no evident
weathering to the masonry voussoirs or jambs. On a north-facing, medieval, external wall, this is quite remarkable. In
comparison, consider the northern-facing Trefoil window heads in the gable end of the similar north-south, aligned
construction, (C&SA, 2013 frontispiece), fig 08. These show a considerable amount of weathering, indicative of their
original position in an actual medieval building; however, the current, squared masonry gable into which they are set
seems quite crisp.

Externally, C&SA draw attention to the base of the southern building, and south elevation and points out a batter
foundation course, fig 09. C&SA suggest that this is the base of an earlier building which does seem reasonable.
Unfortunately, this could not be examined during the current visit due to vegetation overgrowth, (see below: site visit).
Another interesting photograph is included as fig 10 and shows a section of the wall that is now built over (see below:
site visit). C&SA suggest the potential remains of the precinct wall and this current research assessment is inclined to
agree.

In dismissing the 1763 Beaufort arms location, appendix III, C&SA list that ‘visitors accounts describe seeing into
the nearby foundry belching flames and smoke from their foundry window’ as not possible from the present location.
p 18. They also cite research undertaken at Chepstow Museum recording the Beaufort Arms closer to the Royal
George with a James Fishe. As tenant. In response, whether located by the Royal George or in its current location,
neither would have offered a line of sight into the foundry but both would have a view of the glow and sparks to the
northwest. As to the tenant of the Beaufort Arms: from potentially 1763 to at least 1803, that was Mr Gethin, (see
above documentary evidence).

Of the historic photos from 1903, fig 11, is identical to 1893 which is copyrighted, so the latter was used. The view is
of the northern elevation of the northern range and shows a mostly ivy-clad structure. Details worth noting are the re-
used Trefoil windows, the external stairs and the half-stone tiles beneath a later slate roof.

A very useful addition is the later 1920 photograph showing the entire complex with buildings extending westwards
to the road, as well as other structures to the east beyond the lane, fig12.

Finally, FCBS gave access to a site plan, currently a confidential proposal. The plan identifies the line of a culvert
across the car park. The plan has been reduced to a simple outline to provide the context of the site with the culvert
marked, fig13. The Cistercians were known for their complex and extensive water management systems in addition
to their extensive precinct constructions. This plan fig13 notes a culvert, culverts were found in the outer precinct, and
the 1910 costings made note of measures for infill of voids, culverts etc. Refer back to the APAC archive data
regarding culverts and figs 03 a & b and the Gwent archive comment. The general system for management is to have
a system of drinking water in and a flushing system for out. Such water would come from springs possibly the origin
of the culvert indicated.

Site Visit

The site visit was undertaken on the 8th of December 2022.

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 A.P.A.C. Ltd The Abbey Hotel, Tintern DK/AH/22

The view in PL01 first illustrates the close proximity of Tintern Abbey to the Tintern Abbey Hotel, which is a major
consideration for any proposed works. The other buildings in view are the south elevation, of the southern range,
which consists of the right to left:

• a modern single-storey addition (out of view behind the tree)

• a later addition that appears to have medieval internal fittings on the ground floor (see fig 08) 19th/20th c
wooden casement windows in brick decorated enclosures.
• the intervening gap is again a single-story connecting structure, the chimney behind a modern metal fitment.
• Lastly, the oldest structure which is the gable end to the track

The car park drops gently northeast towards Tintern Abbey and covers at least a subsurface culvert, fig 13.

PL02 shows the interface with the western track and the car park, note the gradient. Other features of note are, the
Gothic arch frame window is on the top floor of the central building, whilst at the centre of the photograph is the stack
of the very large chimney above one of the small buildings west of the trackway

PL03 illustrates the current security measures needed for the site and some idea of the current state of dereliction. In
view are the gable ends of the two main ranges and the modern single-story annexe.

PL04, the view is from inside the hoarding and shows the 19th/20th-century window insertions including brick quoins,
stone sills and lintels. There was no access to inspect the batter shown in fig 09.

PL05 concentrates on the modern central porch area between the two main ranges. The southern range, eastern gable
has a sash window, whilst the elevation has a set of Gothic wood-framed windows. Unlike the southern elevation,
these windows are not finished with brick quoins.

PL06, the northern elevation of the northern range which was also depicted in the 1903 photograph fig 11. The door
mouldings of the upper and lower doors are both arched. Possibly the upper is Norman style the lower segmental,
both exhibit evidence of weathering. The outer stairs may indicate a storage use for the building, either industrial-
related to the trackway or agricultural.

PL07 looks down the trackway towards the centre of the village with its more industrial heritage resources. To the
right is St Ann’s and to the left is one of a series of narrow, track-side buildings. The one in the photograph was re-
used as a pound for stray animals according to a plaque. The masonry wall has a few straight joints which usually
indicate blocked openings. It is possible that these were steps to other buildings now gone.

PL08 shows possibly the same location as fig,10 but has been boarded up. If the C&SA interpretation is correct, then
the capped wall may be part of the outer Abbey precinct wall.

PL09 shows another view down the trackway but focuses on one of the small buildings to the west. At the left is a
straight vertical joint which indicates a separate structure. The upper windows are at the eaves so a very low ceiling
or storage. However, the size of the chimney stack is surprising considering the smallness of the building.

Discussion of the site visit

Access to the site was limited by security hoardings and no access was available to the interior. The buildings are very
overgrown, which again prevents anything more than a cursory look.

There was no visible evidence to confirm the age of the building in pre- 19th century. There are some older features
but except for the foundation course to the southern range, they are for the most part set in later constructions.

There does seem to be a tie-in with the trackway to the lime kiln, MM290, particularly with the gable end on alignment
but also the external stair to a probable loft. It is also possible that the buildings to the west of the road are similarly
associated with the industrial period.

However, the trackway possibly originated alongside the precinct wall in which case the buildings may also have an
earlier origin.

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 A.P.A.C. Ltd The Abbey Hotel, Tintern DK/AH/22

Desk-top Assessment and Baseline conditions

A.P.A.C. Ltd holds a limited amount of reference material on Tintern in its library and this instance was able to
provide copies of antiquarian books relating to the known archaeology. A.P.A.C. Ltd has also undertaken numerous
archaeological events close by which has allowed for a greater understanding of the area.

Online search was extremely useful in providing access and verification to some of the primary sources of
documentary evidence.

Gwent Archive was useful in providing an archive of plans for the building but they tended to relate to the 1911 re-
development. One document did suggest a potential for caution regarding subsurface features.

Cadw was accessed online at Cof Cymru for confirmation of known archaeological resources within the area and
provided the listed building information.

FSCB supplied ongoing plans to refer to as well as the older photographs and a copy of the earlier desk-based study.
The latter was important as it provided a glimpse of the interior which is currently not accessible.

Historic Environment Record, held by GGAT was accessed, search 6147, and the results were processed to show
information attributed to any other archaeological works that have taken place in the area.

Archaeological Sites and Their Significance

An assessment of Tintern’s archaeological significance can be found in MCC’s recent Planning Advisory Note 2020
which is given in Appendix II

Significance:

• Substantial Cistercian Abbey, precinct, and land holdings, including granges and two Medieval
churches.
• Industrial wire-making remains
• Landscape significance during the 18th century Picturesque Movement and the Wye Tour.

ASA 9 pp 31-33.

The proposed site lies firmly within the area associated with the 12th-century Abbey precinct.

It is worth mentioning the fact that the building, although not listed, may through documentary evidence, be assumed
to be of at least a mid-18th century date, in addition to being of high importance to the local historic character of
Tintern. Arguably the Beaufort Arms Hotel should be acknowledged for its wider association with the birth of tourism.

Predicted Impacts of the proposal on known Archaeology

With regards to the predicted impact of archaeological resources at the site, during any proposed works, the DBA has
shown that there is a high potential for archaeological resources to be present, predictably mid to late 18th century but,
potentially medieval.

Conversely, the aspects of the building’s architectural features that have provoked interest would appear to be re-used
materials, probably from Tintern Abbey itself and possibly during the ownership of both by the Dukes of Beaufort.

However, that does not discount the possibility that the buildings are built on the remains of former structures possibly
related to Tintern Abbey.

14
 A.P.A.C. Ltd The Abbey Hotel, Tintern DK/AH/22

In addition to possible foundations, there is a distinct chance that any ground disturbance within the curtilage could
impact subterranean resources such as culverts, drains or even storage cellars. The latest plans supplied by the client,
fig 13 outline this, and the 1911 costings, (D902/10) allowed funds to deal with their discovery and consolidation.

The conclusion of the report, therefore, is that there are:

Major to severe impact of late 19th/20th century structures

Moderate impact on potential 17th/mid-19th structures
Minor impact on potential medieval structures or landscape.

Proposed Avoidance or Mitigation Measures

The development may impact upon unknown archaeological and historical resources, therefore; it is recommended as
a general mitigation measure that no groundwork should be undertaken without an archaeological watching brief
condition being in place, this could also include preliminary evaluation trenches before the works begin.

This will not only provide a record of any archaeological resources that may be disturbed but will also ensure that if
more significant resources are impacted upon, then mitigation measures can be activated to deal with them acceptably.

The development should also include a level III building recording and analysis survey on the standing structures.
This should be completed once the building has been made safe to enter but before any proposed development work.

This will allow for a record to be made of the structures before development, and also provide the possibility of
identifying, datable fabrics, within their settings and assessing the provenance of the settings.

Predicted Impacts of the Proposal on the Setting of Nearby Heritage Assets

The proposed works at the site will fall within the footprint provided by the current buildings, and therefore should
not negatively affect any nearby heritage assets any more than it already does.

The works themselves, however, will seek to transform what is currently an abandoned derelict, site, which can only
be a good outcome.

Furthermore, The Abbey Hotel not only has relevance to Tinterns’s History but also played a documented part in the
world-renowned, I8th century, Romantic Movement. If it is brought back into use it can continue to be part of the rich
history of the Wye Valley.

15
 A.P.A.C. Ltd The Abbey Hotel, Tintern DK/AH/22

Acknowledgements

I would like to thank the client for contracting APAC. Ltd to undertake this interesting project.

Thanks to Adam for the initial research, mapping and early draft, Jilly for the online search that allowed for such an
interesting narrative. To be created

Archive

The project archives will consist of all original records, and relevant documentation relating to the Desk Based
Assessment

The archives will be prepared according to the Management of Archaeological Projects, English Heritage, MoRPHE
V1.2 (2015) so the records will be fully ordered and indexed.

The original archive will be retained by APAC Ltd.

Copies of the archive, following current guidelines, will be deposited with GGAT HER:

http://www.GGAT.org.uk/her/downloads/Guidance%20for%20the%20Submission%20of%20Data%20to%20Welsh
%20HERs.pdf

and RCAHMW:

https://rcahmw.gov.uk/wp-content/.../RCAHMW-Guidelines-for-Digital-Archives.pdf

The archives will be deposited within twelve months of the completion of the watching brief and with the agreement
of the landowner.

A synopsis of the project will be submitted to CBA Wales.

Staff

Dr Neil Phillips.

Mr A.O. Phillips. (Project management)

Ms J.A. Farley. (Online Research)

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 A.P.A.C. Ltd The Abbey Hotel, Tintern DK/AH/22

Bibliography and References:

APAC. LTD 2022 WSI: DK/AH/22 Written Scheme of Investigation, WSI. The Abbey Hotel, Tintern.

2007 BRS/TT/07, Building Recording Survey. The Bay, Tintern

2008 DBA/TAP/08 Desk Based Assessment Proposed Hydro-Electric Project, Angidy River,
Tintern
2012 EV/ANC/12 Archaeological Evaluation, the Anchor Inn Tintern
2015 WB/PTT/15 Archaeological Watching Brief, Public Toilets Tintern
2016 BS/AT/16. Level II Building Survey, The Anchor Tintern
2017 WB/AT/16 Archaeological Watching Brief The Anchor Inn car park Tintern
2018 WB/AIT/18 Archaeological Watching Brief, The Anchor Inn, Tintern

Barber, J.T. 1830. A Tour Throughout South Wales, and Monmouthshire, 1830, Pg 266

Barford, M., Revd.

1758 Description of Chepstow, Abbey Tintern, Piercefield, Monmouth and Ragland from a
Manuscript Written November 1758 by Rev M Barford, Fellow of King’s College
Cambridge’, Cardiff Central Library, MS 2.727, pp. 18-22

Bradney, Sir J., 1913 A History of Monmouthshire, V2 Pt 2 The Hundred of Trelech, 1913. Reprint Academy
Books 1992. Pg 255.

Byng, J., 1781 Viscount Torrington. An Excursion Taken in the Year 1781, Bod Lib, Eng.misc.d.237 in:
Souden, D, (ed), Byngs Tours. The journals of the Hon. John Byng, 181-1792 (1991), pp 1-
54.

CADW ref: MM102, Tintern Abbey, Inner Precinct

MM157, Tintern Abbey, precinct Wall
MM290, Colwell Grove Limekiln

Chartered Institute
For Archaeologists Standards and guidance: for historic environment desk-based assessment 2014, updated 2020.

C&S 2013 Church & Site Archaeological Services. A desk Based Assessment to inform planning
applications DC/2012.00620 and DC/2012/00621 to Monmouthshire County Council for the
Proposed Conversion of the Abbey Hotel to Eleven Dwellings.

Courtney, P., 1989. Excavations in the Outer Precinct of Tintern Abbey, p. 102. In Medieval Archaeology 33, 99-
143

Donald, M.B., 1961. Elizabethan Monopolies. The History of the Company of Mineral and Battery Works 1568-
1604. Oliver & Boyd, Edinburg and London.

English Heritage Management of Research Projects in the Historic Environment (2006).

FCBS FeildenCleggBradleyStudios – Architects to The Abbey Hotel.

GGAT HER 6147. 200m search around area centred on Grid Ref: 350701 212778

1000m search around area centred on Grid Ref: 353107 200101

HSE. Health and Safety at Work Act, 1974.

17
 A.P.A.C. Ltd The Abbey Hotel, Tintern DK/AH/22

Leigh, S. 1831 Guide to Wales & Monmouthshire, p. 347

MCC DC/2012/00620. Conversion of Hotel into 7 dwellings: demolition of part; and four new
dwellings. The Abbey Hotel, Tintern, Monmouthshire, NP16 6SF.

DC/2012/00621. Conversion of Hotel to dwellings and demolition of later extensions

demolition of part; and four new dwellings. The Abbey Hotel, Tintern, Monmouthshire, NP16
6SF.

Archaeology in Planning. Planning Advisory Note. August 2020

GMA Graham Milson Architects. Conversion of Abbey Hotel Tintern, Heritage significance Plan
no: 0203.PL.03. 01.06.12.

RCAHMW. National Standard and Guidance to Best Practice for Collecting and Depositing
Archaeological Archives in Wales, 2017.

Taylor, J., 1641 John Taylor's last voyage, and adventure, performed from the twentieth of July last 1641. to
the tenth of September following. In which time he past, with a scullers boate from the citie
of London, to the cities and Townes of Oxford, Gloucester, Shrewesbury, Bristoll, Bathe,
Monmouth and Hereford.

Warner, R., Revd

1797 A Walk-Through Wales, in August 1797 by the Revd Richard Warner, Cruttwell. Bath:

Welsh Government Planning Policy Wales ed 10. 2018.

Technical advice note (TAN) 24: the historic environment. 2017

The Welsh
Archaeological
Trusts. Guidance for the Submission of Data to the Welsh Historic Environment Records (HERs)
2018

Gent Archives: D3761 Plans of Beaufort Hotel

D902/10. Specifications, Alterations & Additions to the Beaufort Arms Hotel Tintern.
Messers Walker & Sons Architects 1910-1912.

Shropshire Archives 1037/27/41,p.4 Mytton, Thomas, ‘Journal of a thro‘ part of South Wales, 1776.

18
 A.P.A.C. Ltd The Abbey Hotel, Tintern DK/AH/22

Online Sources:
https://coflein.gov.uk/en/site/409995/details/blestium
http://www.google.com/maps
http://magic.defra.gov.uk/
https://maps.nls.uk/
https://www.visionofbritain.org.uk/
http://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/1990/9/contents
https://cadw.gov.wales/advice-support/cof-cymru/search-cadw-records
https://sublimewales.wordpress.com/
https://webapps.bgs.ac.uk/lexicon/lexicon.cfm?pub=TSG

Copyright

A.P.A.C. Ltd will retain full copyright of any reports and specialist reports, under the Copyright, Designs and Patents
Act of 1988 with all rights reserved.

A.P.A.C. Ltd hereby permits the monitoring authority to use any documentation directly relating to the project as
described in this Project Design.

A.P.A.C. Registered Address: Wyastone Business Park, Monmouth, NP25 3SR

Tel: 01600891584. Mobile: 07734962919 Email: [email protected]
Company Registration No 05041541 VAT Reg No 826 3628 19
Director: Dr N. Phillips D.Phil.BA (Hons).

19
 The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

A.P.A.C. Ltd :DBA/AH/22

N

Fig 01: Location

 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

Original plan by G Milson 2012 adapted by FCBS November 2022

Fig 02: Site plan 2012 with estimate of building periods, noted by significance A.P.A.C. Ltd. DK/AHT/22
 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

Legend

NGR ST 353226 199901

Listed Buildings

Conservation area
Scheduled Monuments

Fig 03: Heritage asset map A.P.A.C. Ltd. DK/AHT/22

 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

Legend

NGR ST 353226 199901

Scheduled Monuments
Path of remains of Abbey
precinct wall. SM - MM157

Fig 03b: mapping Tintern Abbey, Precinct wall boundary. A.P.A.C. Ltd. DK/AHT/22
 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)

Fig 05a: Abbey precinct 1764, adapted from Courtney 1989

Fig 05b: First series sheet 35 - 1830, 1:63360 A.P.A.C. Ltd DK/AH/22
 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

The Ordnance Survey has granted A.P.A.C. Ltd a Copyright Licence (No. 100046577)
N N

Fig 06a: Gloucestershire Sheet XLVI.SW Fig 06b: Gloucestershire Sheet XLVI.SW
Surveyed 1880 to 1881 Revised 1900
Published 1887 Published 1903

N N

Fig 06c: Monmouthshire Sheet XXVI Fig 06d: Gloucestershire Sheet XLVI.SW
Revised 1918 Revised 1919 to 1920
Published 1922 Published 1924

A.P.A.C. Ltd DK/AH/22

Fig 06e: Modern mapping.

 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

Fig 07: Internal northern wall of Southern building. Church & Site Archaeology 2013 p14

Fig 08: Northern gable of easten cross range, Church & Site Archaeology 2013 fronispiece

A.P.A.C. Ltd DK/AH/22

 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

Fig 09: South elevation of southern range, main building. Church & Site Archaeology 2013 p13

Fig 10: Wall abutting the western track possibly between the two ranges but unclear. No longer present.
Church & Site Archaeology 2013 p15

A.P.A.C. Ltd DK/AH/22

 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

Fig 11: North elevation of northern range and north gable of eastern range, 1903. FCBS 2022.

Fig 12: View of Hotel complex in 1920. FCBS 2022.

A.P.A.C. Ltd DK/AH/22

 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

culv
ert

Carpark
Abbey Hotel

66
A4

ABBEY

adapted from: Original plan FCBS November 2022

Fig 13: Site plan 2022 with culvert A.P.A.C. Ltd. DK/AHT/22
 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

Photo ID: SM090320

View of southern elevation main building.

Tintern Abbey to right providing evidence

of proximity

A.P.A.C. Ltd. DBA/TH/22

PLATE 01
 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

Photo ID: SM090342

South elevation of main building, right.

Southwest outer building, left.

To the rear, central, large masonry chimney

stack of western building over the track to
the lime kiln.

A.P.A.C. Ltd. DBA/TH/22

PLATE 02
 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

Photo ID: SM090429

Eastern gable ends of both building ranges

and extension to southern building

A.P.A.C. Ltd. DBA/TH/22

PLATE 03
 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

Photo ID: SM090627

View along southern elevation of main

building.

Eastern single story extension bottom right

A.P.A.C. Ltd. DBA/TH/22

PLATE 04
 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

Photo ID: SM090711

Eastern gables of both main ranges and

south east single storey extension and
southern lean-to

A.P.A.C. Ltd. DBA/TH/22

PLATE 05
 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

Photo ID: SM090738

Northern elevation of northern range.

External stair above the arch door.

Note stark contrast and erosion of the red

sandstone against the limestone masonry.

A.P.A.C. Ltd. DBA/TH/22

PLATE 06
 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

Photo ID: SM090830

View along trackway towards village centre.

Note straight aspect and gradient, suggestive

of tramway.

On the left above the wall is an old building ,

commemorated as a stray animal pound.

A.P.A.C. Ltd. DBA/TH/22

PLATE 07
 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

Photo ID: SM090235

Detail of capping stone below section of

rendered wall. Feature does not continue for
full length

A.P.A.C. Ltd. DBA/TH/22

PLATE 08
 The Abbey Hotel, Tintern

Photo ID: SM090324

Detached building to the west of the trackway.

Note the size of the chimney stack

A.P.A.C. Ltd. DBA/TH/22

PLATE 09
Scheduled Monument - Full Report - HeritageBill Cadw Assets - Reports https://cadwpublic-api.azurewebsites.net/reports/sam/FullReport?lan...

The Abbey Hotel, Tintern Appendix I a

DBA/TH/22. PG 570 APAC.Ltd
HER:E007112

Scheduled Monuments- Full Report

Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument

Reference Number Name Date of Designation Status

MM102 Tintern Abbey, Inner Designated

Precinct

Location

Unitary Authority Community Easting Northing

Monmouthshire Tintern 353291 200020

Broad Class Site Type Period

Religious, Ritual and Abbey Medieval

Funerary

Description

Summary Description and Reason for Designation

The following provides a description of the Scheduled Ancient Monument.

The monument consists of a Cistercian abbey, a Christian monastery or convent under the government of an Abbot or
an Abbess, dating to the medieval period. Tintern Abbey was only the second Cistercian foundation in Britain, and the
first in Wales, and was founded on the 9th May 1132 by Walter de Clare, Lord of Chepstow. It soon prospered, thanks
to endowments of land in Gwent and Gloucestershire, and buildings were added and updated in every century until its
dissolution in 1536. However, it was never very large or important, and it's history was relatively uneventful. It's position
well away from the Welsh heartland meant that it suffered little in the periodic Welsh uprisings of the medieval period.

Tintern was always closely associated with the Lords of Chepstow, who were often generous benfactors. The most
generous was Roger Bigod III, grandson of William Marshal's daughter Maud; his monumental undertaking was the
rebuilding of the church in the late 13th century. In gratitude, the abbey put his coat of arms in the glass of its east

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window. It is the ruins of Roger's church that dominate the site today. Of the first buildings, which date from the 12th
century, very little remains above ground. The church in this period was smaller than Roger Bigod's 13th century
building, and lay slightly to the north.

During the 13th century the abbey was more or less completely rebuilt, starting in about 1220 with the cloisters and
domestic ranges around them, and finishing with the great church. The entrance to the precinct was on the west side of
the cloisters. To the north was a cellar and the lay brothers range of refectory and dormitory. Along the north side of the
cloisters were the kitchen, the monks refectory and the warming room, while along the east side were the novices
lodgings, the sacristy and chapter house. To the east of the cloisters range was the infirmary cloister with the latrines,
infirmary hall and Abbot's hall and private lodgings arranged around it.

Tintern's crowning glory, its great church, was built between 1269 and 1301. It has a simple cruciform plan, with an
aisled nave, trancepts each with two chapels, and a square-ended aisled chancel. Cistercian rule and liturgy dictated
the presence of internal divisions (which have disappeared); the aisles were walled off and three cross walls divided
the body of the church into two main sections - the nave, reserved for lay brothers, and the choir and presbytery at the
east end for the choir monks. The fine west wall is divided into three stages, with twin doorways and traceried arches in
the lowest, a great severn-light window in the middle and a smaller arched window at the top. This end, and the
western part of the south side may have been finished after Roger Bigod III's death in 1306. Several Lords of
Chepstow and their relations are buried in the church, together with William Herbert of Raglan Castle who was buried
here after his execution in 1469.

The main abbey buildings were contained within a walled precinct of 11ha within which there were many other, secular,
buildings. The remains of some, including the guesthouse, have been exposed to the west of the church. In the 18th
century the Wye valley became renowned for its picturesque qualities and Tintern Abbey, then swathed in ivy, was
rediscovered and visited by many famous individuals including JMW Turner and William Wordsworth.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of the organisation and practice of
medieval Christianity. The site forms an important element within the wider medieval landscape. It retains significant
archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated archaeological features and deposits.
The structure itself 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.

Cadw : Scheduled Monuments- Full Report [ Records 1 of 1 ]

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The Abbey Hotel, Tintern Appendix I b

DBA/TH/22. PG 570 APAC.Ltd
HER:E007112

Scheduled Monuments- Full Report

Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument

Reference Number Name Date of Designation Status

MM157 Tintern Abbey, Precinct Designated

Wall

Location

Unitary Authority Community Easting Northing

Monmouthshire Tintern 353207 199928

Broad Class Site Type Period

Monument Wall Medieval

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.

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The Abbey Hotel, Tintern Appendix I c

DBA/TH/22. PG 570 APAC.Ltd
HER:E007112

Scheduled Monuments- Full Report

Summary Description of a Scheduled Monument

Reference Number Name Date of Designation Status

MM290 Colwell Grove Limekiln and 15/05/2000 Designated

Quarry, Tintern

Location

Unitary Authority Community Easting Northing

Monmouthshire Tintern 353317 199742

Broad Class Site Type Period

Industrial Limekiln Post Medieval/Modern

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 a limekiln, in which lime is made by calcining limestone. The limekiln is a
Wye Valley type dating to the early 19th century and has two drawing arches to the front, fed by a single pot. The
remains include trackways, ramps, walls and quarry.

The monument is of national importance for its potential to enhance our knowledge of industrial manufacturing
processes. It retains significant archaeological potential, with a strong probability of the presence of associated
archaeological features and deposits. The structure itself may be expected to contain archaeological information
concerning chronology and building techniques. A lime kiln may be part of a larger cluster of monuments and their
importance can further enhanced by their group value.

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

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expected to survive.

Cadw : Scheduled Monuments- Full Report [ Records 1 of 1 ]

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The Abbey Hotel, Tintern Appendix II APAC.Ltd
DBA/TH/22. PG 570
HER:E007112 MCC Archaeology in Planning, Planning Advisory Note 2020

A.S.A. 9 Tintern
Significance:
x Substantial
Cistercian abbey,
precinct and
landholdings,
including granges,
two Medieval
churches
x Industrial wire
making remains
x Landscape
significance during
the 18th century
Picturesque View of Tintern
movement and Wye
Tour

Reasons for Increased Archaeological Potential:

The settlement of Tintern developed around the 12th century monastery. Founded in 1131 by
Walter de Clare, Tintern Abbey is the first Cistercian religious house founded in Wales. The
first form was constructed from timber, but soon rebuilt in stone within a precinct enclosing the
abbey, lands and the conventual buildings. As part of the abbey, 12 granges were established
as part of the abbey, and a watergate was constructed to allow access over the river Wye.
Furthermore, there were over 3,000 acres of land used to for woodland, arable and pastoral,
and evidence of fisheries.

The extant church building dates between 1269 and 1301 along with the conventual buildings,
it was part of an extensive programme of rebuilding. The buildings are typical of a Cistercian
layout, it includes cloisters, monastic
and lay dormitories, kitchens, chapter
house, dayroom, infirmary and
lodgings. As a prominent Cistercian
house, it supported corrodians, lay
pensioners living on the site.

The abbey also owned mills, with

fulling and grain mills powered by the
Angidy; water management included
dams, reservoirs, sluices, weirs, and
water channels supplying the abbey.
Wireworks Bridge, a visible reminder of Tintern’s
The Earls of Pembroke (later
industrial heritage Worcester) were the lay stewards of
the abbey, and its lands and finances
went to them; after the dissolution of the monasteries and the Act of Union in 1536 and 1542,
the abbey and its lands passed to the Colclough and then the Croft families.

31
Within the Angidy Valley metal processing was undertaken. The Abbey Wire and Ironworks
was the first powered wireworks in Britain, and used brass, lead and copper. With the growth
of the Picturesque Movement in the 18th century, the area became a popular destination for
artists, writers and tourists on the Wye Tour.

Remains are focused around the abbey and conventual buildings. Further remains have been
discovered in Tintern Parva and the Angidy Valley.

32
33
The Abbey Hotel, Tintern
DBA/TH/22. PG 570
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.,:".'\ '.\
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The Abbey Hotel, Tintern Appendix IV APAC..Ltd
DBA/TH/22. PG 570
HER:E007112

Cifa. Standard and Guidance for Historic Environment Desk-Based Assessment 2014,
Updated 2020

Standard

Desk-based assessment will determine, as far as is reasonably possible from existing records, the
nature, extent and significance of the historic environment within a specified area. Desk-based
assessment will be undertaken using appropriate methods and practices which satisfy the stated
aims of the project, and which comply with the Code of conduct and other relevant regulations of
the CIfA. In a development context desk-based assessment will establish the impact of the proposed
development on the significance of the historic environment (or will identify the need for further
evaluation to do so) and will enable reasoned proposals and decisions to be made whether to
mitigate, offset or accept without further intervention that impact.

Guidance

Desk-based assessment is a programme of study of the historic environment within a specified area
or site on land, the inter-tidal zone or underwater that addresses agreed research and/or
conservation objectives. It consists of an analysis of existing written, graphic, photographic and
electronic information in order to identify the likely heritage assets, their interests and significance
and the character of the study area, including appropriate consideration of the settings of heritage
assets and, in England, the nature, extent and quality of the known or potential archaeological,
historic, architectural and artistic interest. Significance is to be judged in a local, regional, national
or international context as appropriate.

Purpose and context

The purpose of a desk-based assessment is to gain an understanding of the historic environment

resource in order to formulate as required:

1. an assessment of the potential for heritage assets to survive within the area of study
2. an assessment of the significance of the known or predicted heritage assets considering their
archaeological, historic, architectural, and artistic interests
3. strategies for further evaluation whether or not intrusive, where the nature, extent or significance
of the resource is not sufficiently well defined
4. an assessment of the impact of proposed development or other land use changes on the
significance of the heritage assets and their settings
5. strategies to conserve the significance of heritage assets, and their settings
6. design strategies to ensure new development makes a positive contribution to the character and
local distinctiveness of the historic environment and local place-shaping
7. proposals for further archaeological investigation within a programme of research, whether
undertaken in response to a threat or not.
The Abbey Hotel, Tintern. Appendix V A.P.A.C. Ltd
DBA/TH/22. PG 570
HER:E007112 Digital Photographic Record Contexts: <Surface> (Deposit) {Structure} [Cut]

Photo ID OS. View Description Photographer Date of Compiled Date

Plate
Ref: facing photograph by compiled
353224 View of southern elevation main building. Tintern Abbey to right providing evidence of proximity PL01
SM090320 N NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP
199851
353231 South elevation of main building, right. Southwest outer building, left. To the rear, central, large masonry PL02
SM090342 199865 NW NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP
chimney stack of western building over the track to the lime kiln.
353263 Eastern gable ends of both building ranges and extension to southern building PL03
SM090429 199822 NW NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP
353253 Eastern gable end of southern main building and later single story extension
SM090532 W NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP
199853
353240 View along southern elevation of main building. Eastern single story extension bottom right PL04
SM090627 NW NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP
199885
353245 Eastern gables of both main ranges and south east single storey extension and southern lean-to PL05
SM090711 SW NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP
199913
353245 Eastern gable end of northern building left. Two storey exstention along the trackway, centre and St Ann's
SM090716 NW NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP
199912 to right.
353233 Northern elevation of northern range. External stair above the arch door. Note stark contrast and erosion PL06
SM090738 S NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP
199129 of the red sandstone against the limestone masonry.
353226 View of northern lean-to on northern elevation of northern range. Above is the northern gable of the
SM090756 199925 SW NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP
western cross building and to the right the eastern elevation of the extension along the trackway
353248 View of complex from the A466. Both east west ranges and western cross building.
SM091600 199943 SW NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP
353006 View along trackway from road junction with A466. Note straight aspect and gradient, suggestive of
SM092627 200126 S NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP
tramway
353062 West of the track way evidence of buildings, one commemorated as stray animal pound
SM092813 200053 W NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP
353067 View along trackway towards village centre. Note straight aspect and gradient, suggestive of tramway. On
SM092830 N NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP PL07
200046 the left above the wall is an old building , commemorated as a stray animal pound.
353188 Section of trackway west of St Ann's, building shown, with boundary of Abbey Hotel at rear
SM093040 199969 S NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP
353191 Boundary of St Ann's, left and western elevation of Abbey Hotel complex
SM093124 199940 S NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP
353203 Boundary of Abbey Hotel western elevation along trackway. Note section of capping stone below the
SM093145 199927 S NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP
rendered wall
353205 Detail of capping stone below section of rendered wall. Feature does not continue for full length
SM093235 199906 N NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP PL08
353205 Trackway at western gable end of northern building, left. Detached long building to west of trackway, right
SM093244 199906 S NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP
353205 Detached building to the west of the trackway. Note the size of the chimney stack
SM093324 199874 N NP 08/12/2022 09/12/2022 NP PL09

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