The ruins of the once splendid abbey of Neath

'The ruins of the once splendid abbey of Neath, for White Monks, on the west bank of the river Neath, built by Sr. Rd. Greenfeeld one of the 12 Norman Kts. who conquered Glamorgan. To this monastery the ill fated Edward the 2d. fled for shelter. He was here concealed for sometime but being discover'd, he was taken to Berkley Castle where he suffered a cruel death. Glamorganshire.'

John 'Warwick' Smith (1749-1831) was amongst the most famous watercolourists of his day. Between 1784 and 1806 he frequently visited Wales and became increasingly enchanted by the country. The National Library's collections contain 162 of his watercolour works which are based on his travels in Wales.