Tintern Abbey

Walter de Clare founded Tintern Abbey in the twelfth century on the bank of the Wye River in south Wales. Following the publication of William Gilpin’s Observations on the River Wye in 1782, visitors flocked to Tintern. Many came through the Wye valley tour. Like many picturesque and Romantic views, this watercolor eliminates the Welsh people populating the area; in fact, local workers lived in the Abbey, but are edited out of Palmer’s image. While some visitors enjoyed the contrast with the ancient ruins, this view allows the enjoyment of the site in its ruined, imperfect state.