Editing Strata Florida Abbey (section)

=== Foundation ===
The Monastery was founded in 1164 by the [[Cambro-Norman]] Knight [[Robert FitzStephen]] (c 1123–1183). In the 12th century, Cistercian [[monk]]s from [[Whitland Abbey]], [[Narberth, Pembrokeshire|Narberth]], [[Carmarthenshire]] started to construct a religious settlement on the banks of the ''Afon Fflur'' (from which the present Abbey takes its name), a short distance from the present site. This was at a time of fast expansion of the [[Cistercian order]]. 
The site of this first settlement is known as ''Hen Fynachlog'' (the Old Monastery).

Around 1164 the Abbey of Strata Florida was founded through the patronage of [[Rhys ap Gruffydd]]. In 1184, a further charter was issued by Lord Rhys, reaffirming Strata Florida as a monastery under the patronage of [[Deheubarth]], a principality of South Wales. Several descendants of the Lord Rhys have been buried at this Abbey, including 11 princes of the Welsh royal [[house of Dinefwr]] of Deheubarth during the 12th and 13th centuries Notable burials include Prince [[Gruffydd ap Rhys II]] and poet [[Dafydd ap Gwilym]].

The church was [[consecrated]] in 1201.