Valle Crucis was founded by Prince Madog ap Gruffydd and the “White Monks” of the Cistercian order in 1201. The name Valley Crucis derives from Latin and means Valley of the Cross. The name is thought to refer to the nearby 9th-century Pillar of Eliseg. The Cistercians were known for constructing their monasteries in remote locations, which allowed them to combine an austere religious life with the farming duties needed to ensure they were self-sufficient. Like other Cistercian settlements, Valle Crucis accommodated both choir monks, who spent their time in…
