Tintern Abbey was founded in 1131 by Cistercian monks and grew to become the richest in Wales thanks to the patronage of wealthy Marcher lords. The present ruins largely date from rebuilding during the late 13th century. Its riches were confiscated in 1536 during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. It later had a resurgence as a 'romantic ruin' tourist attraction due to its picturesque location and from featuring in works by Wordsworth and Turner.