Recent work on the precinct of Cwmhir Abbey, Radnorshire

This article collates both new and old evidence about the precinct of the former Cistercian abbey of Cwmhir and offers a fresh set of interpretations about its layout. These are intended only as a next step in understanding this monument and further research will be needed in the future and for this reason we regard it as a clear statement of methodology. We propose that the abbey precinct was small and tightly confined in its location. It would appear that it had a three-fold internal arrangement of: 1. a western, outer court with extensive signs of medieval agriculture; 2. a central inner court with the main monastic buildings; and 3. an eastern enclosure containing a farm and mill. The article also offers insights into the post-medieval use of the precinct.