An abbey for Cistercian monks was established on this spot in 1131 by Walter Fitz-Richard de Clare and dedicated to St. Mary.  None of this building remains, as the whole edifice was rebuilt about 1260.  The chief part of the ruins, now standing, is the church, though in 1847, when excavations were being carried on in an adjoining orchard, the remains of the Hospitium were discovered.  This was an oblong building, supported on pillars, in which it was the custom for the monks to entertain strangers or travellers of their order.  In the middle of the nave are the four arches which supported the tower, now mere skeletons, yet sufficiently preserved to show their form.  The walls are nearly complete, and many of the columns still stand, as well as the bases of those whioh have fallen.  All the pavement has disappeared, and the whole of the former floor is reduced to one level, now carpeted with turf.

The church is cruciform in plan and measures 228 feet from east to west.  The remains of the dormitory, chapter-house, cloisters, and the refectory, which still has its lectern for the use of the reader during meals, are to be found on the north side of the church.  Walking on the walls is forbidden.  The vast extent of the ruins of the Hospitium recalls the fact that Tintern Abbey was for a long period distinguished for its luxurious style of living and its great hospitality.

When in the neighbourhood of Tintern one should visit Monmouth for its remarkable old bridge with its interesting gatehouse.

[Illustration:  Photochrom Co., Ltd.

TINTERN ABBEY.

The beautiful river Wye is seen flowing just beyond the ruins.]

CHESTERFIELD, DERBYSHIRE

=How to get there.=—­Train from St. Pancras.  Midland Railway. =Nearest Station.=—­Chesterfield. =Distance from London.=—­146 miles. =Average Time.=—­Varies between 3 to 3-3/4 hrs.

                     1st 2nd 3rd
=Fares.=—­Single 19s. 2d. ... 12s. 1d. 
          Return 38s. 4d. ... 24s. 2d.

=Accommodation Obtainable.=—­“The Angel Hotel,” “Station Hotel,”
  “Midland Hotel,” “Hotel Portland,” etc.
=Alternative Route.=—­Train from Marylebone.  Great Central Rly.

Chesterfield, now the second largest town in its own county, was at the time of the Doomsday survey merely a bailiwick to Newbold, which at the present time has dwindled down to a small hamlet to the west of the parish.  In the middle of the thirteenth century a battle was fought here between the Earl of Derby and Prince Henry, nephew of Henry III., in which the Earl was defeated and taken prisoner.  It was also the scene of a fierce engagement during the civil wars of Charles I., in which the Earl of Newcastle routed the Parliamentary forces in 1643.

The great feature of interest in Chesterfield is the parish church of All Saints, with its extraordinary twisted spire 230 feet in height.  This “crooked” spire, which leans over to the south-west, has been the object of much discussion amongst antiquaries, as to whether it was designed in such a fashion, or whether the present state of affairs has been brought about by a warping of the timber frame under the outside covering of lead.  The latter seems the more feasible theory.