Tintern Abbey is a beautiful and historic site that has been standing for over 700 years. However, the abbey church has been damaged by weathering and erosion over the centuries. In order to preserve this important monument, Cadw, the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, is leading a five-year conservation project.
The conservation project is being carried out in phases. The first phase, which is currently underway, is focused on archaeological investigations. Archaeologists from Black Mountains Archaeology and ArchaeoDomus are using a variety of techniques, including photogrammetry and laser scanning, to create a detailed 3D model of the abbey church. This model will help the conservation team to understand the structure of the building and to identify any areas that need to be repaired.
The second phase of the project will begin later this year and will focus on the conservation of the abbey church’s stonework. The conservation team will use a variety of techniques, including traditional stonework repair methods and new technologies, to repair the damage caused by weathering and erosion.
The conservation project is expected to be completed in 2028. Once the project is complete, Tintern Abbey will be safe for visitors to enjoy for generations to come.
In addition to the conservation work, Cadw is also working to improve the visitor experience at Tintern Abbey. The abbey’s website has been updated with new information about the abbey’s history and architecture. A new audio guide has also been created, which tells the story of the abbey in a more engaging way.
Cadw is committed to preserving Wales’s historic environment for future generations. The conservation of Tintern Abbey is an important part of this commitment. By working with archaeologists and conservation experts, Cadw is ensuring that this iconic monument will be standing for many years to come.
The original Cadw article from which this summary was produced can be found here:
https://cadw.gov.wales/about-us/news/five-year-conservation-project-gets-underway-tintern-abbey
