 Llantarnam Abbey took its place among the Welsh Cistercian abbeys as the revival of political power supported the growth of the Order during the twelfth century.Although various dates are suggested for the year of its foundation, it can be safely attributed to have been founded in the last quarter of the twelfth century.It was to remain active for over three hundred and fifty years before the suppression of 1536 finally closed its doors on 27 August 1536.