Caldey Abbey

Caldey Abbey stands on Caldey Island off the coast of Pembrokeshire, south of Tenby. The island once housed a Celtic monastery in the sixth century and later a Benedictine foundation from 1136 until the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century. The present abbey was built in 1910 by Anglican Benedictine monks in the Italian style, designed by priest-architect John Cyril Hawes and John Coates Carter. After converting to Catholicism in 1929, Trappist monks took over and rebuilt the abbey in 1940 following a fire. The abbey is a Grade II* listed building, recognised for its architectural significance. The abbey supports itself through perfume, shortbread, chocolate and beef production, with the monks’ perfumes branded as Caldey Abbey Perfumes. Wild lavender and gorse on the island inspired these fragrances, which are now made year-round. The monks also once ran a dairy and an internet shop, selling goods under the Abbot’s Kitchen brand. The abbey church features a south tower with primitive crenellations and a tapering design, while the refectory is built from fine timber in a modern yet ancient-inspired pattern. Visitors find a working monastery with a Grade II* listed abbey church, shop and several island buildings. The architecture blends Arts and Crafts style with medieval influences, using white roughcast roofs and red tiling. The abbey’s history includes a difficult period when abuse allegations emerged, leading to an independent review in 2024. Despite this, the island remains a place of quiet reflection, where the monks continue their daily life of prayer and work.