Monastic Wales.








Event detail for site: Neath

c. 1250: Deposition

Abbot Robert was removed from office and excommunicated.

This was carried out by the bishop of Llandaff, William de Burgh, on account of a serious crime committed by the asbbot.

Bibliographical sources

Printed sources

Llandaff Episcopal Acta 1140-1287, Publications of the South Wales Record Society, 5, ed. David Crouch (South Wales Record Society: Cardiff, 1988) 78

Other events in the history of this site

1130: Foundation - Neath was founded as a Savigniac house by Richard de Granville and Constance.  [9 sources][1 archives]
1147: A change of order - The Savigniac Order joined the Cistercian family and Neath duly became an abbey of Cistercian monks.  [1 sources]
c.1196: Relocation - The uncertainty of the monks' situation at Neath prompted them to consider relocating to Exford, Somerset. [3 sources]
c.1200: Episcopal confirmation - Henry of Abergavenny, bishop of Llandaff, probably issued his charter concerning the abbey's lands in Llandaff soon after the monks' failure to relocate to Somerset.  [1 sources][1 archives]
1207: Royal confirmation - The community acquired charters of confirmation from King John. [4 sources]
1210: Royal visitor - King John stopped off at the house en route to Ireland (Friday 21 May). [1 sources]
1224: Destruction - One of Neath's houses was destroyed by the rebel, Morgan Gam, lord of Afan. [2 sources]
c.1250: Deposition - Abbot Robert was removed from office and excommunicated. [1 sources]
1269: Internal problems - Abbot Adam of Carmarthen (c. 1266-89) wrote to the General Chapter concerning the conduct of certain lay-brothers of Neath. [3 sources]
c.1280: Building work - The monks began to build a new church. [1 sources]
1284: Royal visit - Edward I visited the abbey. [2 sources]
1289: Agreement - The abbey made an agreement with its patron, Earl Gilbert de Clare. [3 sources]
c.1291: Wealth - At this time Neath was one of the richest houses in medieval Wales.  [4 sources]
1316: Destruction - Neath was reputedly devastated during the rebellion of Llywelyn Bren. [3 sources]
1326: Royal fugitive - Edward II sought refuge at Neath from 4-10 November, while moving around Wales for his safety. [2 sources]
1336: Royal confirmation - Edward III responded to the abbot of Neath's request to confirm the abbey's grants and privileges. [4 sources]
c.1405: Destruction - Neath suffered extensively during the Glyn Dŵr rebellion. [3 sources]
1424-1441: Recovery - Under Abbot Thomas Franklin, Neath enjoyed a period of recovery leading to prosperity. [2 sources]
1468: Confirmation - Richard Neville, earl of Warwick and lord of Glamorgan, issued the community a significant charter confirming all its privileges and resources from the twelfth century. [3 sources]
c.1500: Abbatial suite - The southern end of the dormitory and refectory was modified to make a private suite for the abbot.  [1 sources]
1510-1539: Reputation - Under Abbot Leyshon Thomas, Neath enjoyed a lofty reputation. [2 sources]
c.1535: Wealth - According to the Valor Ecclesiasticus the abbey had a net annual income of £132 7s 7d. [3 sources]
1539: Dissolution - In February the house was suppressed. [3 sources]
 
Graphic.