Edward Hunt's Forest of Dean Miscellany

Roger of Hereford founded the Cistercian Monastery of Flaxley (Flaxley Abbey, St. Mary de Dene or Dene Abbey) in 1146, during the reign of Stephen (1135-1154).  He chose the spot in the Vale of Castiard, because his father, Milo Fitz Walter the first Earl of Hereford, had been killed here hunting in 1143.

It was devoted to the white monks of the Cistercian order.

*Milo the first Earl of Hereford had been killed accidentally by an arrow glancing off a tree in 1143.

Henry II (1154 – 1189), in return for the hospitality given at the Abbey, which he used as a hunting lodge, granted Flaxley tithes of venison and the sweet chestnuts of the Forest.

Key words:  Cistercian Monastery, Dene Abbey, Flaxley Abbey, Milo Fitz Walter, Roger of Hereford, St. Mary de Dene, King Stephen, Vale of Castiard