Bective abbey (mainistir Bleightí in Irish Gaelic) is an Irish Cistercian abbey in County Meath, Ireland. Built in 1147, it’s one of the country’s most beautiful abbeys, but strangely, one of the least known to tourists. Imposing, it impresses with its 13th-century fortifications… and has been used as a film location for Hollywood movies such as Breveheart and The Last Duel.
Bective abbey architecture – © Alberto Gonzalez
Bective Abbey takes its name from “Beatitudo Dei” (“The Beatitude of God”), which is the origin of the English name Bective, and the Irish name Bleightí. The abbey is said to have been ordered by the king of Mide, Murchad O’Maeil-Scheachlainn, or by Murchad O’Melaghin-Scheachlainn (sources remain unclear on this subject).
It features a flamboyant Gothic style, with remarkable architecture, arches and vaults, and exquisite carvings.
From its earliest years, the building became an important cultural and religious center. Many monks flock here to benefit from the best teaching in the region.
In 1195, the abbey became the burial place of the great Hugues de Lacy, buried in 1195. A consecration for the building, which became a major center of Irish Christianity.
But as the Bective abbey grew in importance, it amassed more and more riches (manuscripts, religious objects…), and in 1228 it was agreed to build extensive fortifications. The cloister was raised, and towers and buttresses were added to the cloister and abbey walls.
Once the work was completed, the abbey was literally transformed, and its influence was impressive. She now reigns over a 640-hectare estate, and lives from a vegetable garden and livestock on her land.
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In the 15th century, the abbey community declined sharply. The final blow came in 1536, when Henry VIII closed the abbey as part of his campaign to dissolve monasteries. The religious community living there was ordered to leave and was condemned to go underground.
Shortly afterwards, the abbey was taken over and converted into a Tudor-style manor house. The building features chimneys, larger windows… The abbey church, cloister and chapter house have been left untouched.
Unfortunately, the Bective abbey gradually passed from hand to hand over the centuries, and its condition deteriorated:
Today, the abbey is magnificent, but in a serious state of disrepair. So, although many of the buildings are still standing, they have lost their former splendor, and now boast a darker charm that will delight romantics and lovers of medieval ruins.
Today, the abbey is owned by the Office of Public Works. Major archaeological digs have been carried out here, revealing some 3,000 objects and shedding light on the building’s history.
Unfortunately, the site is not open to visitors. But you’ll be able to find out just by passing by.
The abbey is beautiful. Although partially in ruins, its size is impressive. Some parts are still in excellent condition. The cloister features exquisite sculptures similar to those in Jerpoint Abbey.
The ruins have a deep, powerful charm. You can feel that the site has been the scene of historic moments. A beautiful place to discover, even if you can’t get inside.
For the record, Bective Abbey was used as a film location by Ridley Scott for his movie“The Last Duel” (starring Matt Damon, Ben Affleck and Adam Driver), and earlier for the movie Braveheart starring Mel Gibson. The charm of the ruins and the beauty of the architecture make this an exceptional place, which will take you back to the Irish Middle Ages, the time of the kings and the rise of Christianity.
A magical place, still steeped in history and fascinating mysteries.
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