Caldey Island Abbey

In the 12th Century Benedictines from St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire, set up a priory on the island. They remained until the Dissolution in 1536. Much of their medieval priory is still standing.

In 1906 pioneering Anglican Benedictines purchased Caldey and built under the direction of Abbot Aelred Carlyle, the building was designed by Penarth architect John Coates-Carter in traditional Italianate style.

The Anglican Community converted to Roman Catholicism in 1913. Their stay was relatively short, financial difficulties forcing them to sell in 1925. The present monks of Caldey Abbey are Cistercians, a stricter, contemplative offshoot of the Benedictine Order. They came from Scourmont Abbey in Belgium in 1929, re-establishing the strong Cistercian tradition in Wales.

For many years they strove to establish themselves and overcome the inherent difficulties of farming an island. The development of the perfume industry and tourism eventually brought them financial independence.

The community remained spiritually strong throughout, even when their numbers became dangerously low in the early eighties. Since then there have been many new vocations and the community is thriving.

Because of its unusual design, Caldey Abbey has received much attention in recent years and is now a grade II* listed building.