Monks first settled on Caldey Island in the 6th Century. Pyro, the first abbot is remembered in the island's Welsh name, Ynys Byr. Pyro was followed by St Samson, from the Celtic monastery at Llantwit Major. Viking raids may have ended this settlement in the 10th Century.

In the 12th Century Benedictines from St Dogmaels, Pembrokeshire, set up a priory on the island. They remained until the Dissolution in 1536. Much of their medieval priory is still standing.

In 1906 pioneering Anglican Benedictines purchased Caldey and built the present Italianate style abbey which now towers above the village. Their stay was relatively short, financial difficulties forcing them to sell in 1925. The present monks of Caldey Abbey are Cistercians, a stricter, contemplative offshoot of the Benedictine Order. They came from Scourmont Abbey in Belgium in 1929, re-establishing the strong Cistercian tradition in Wales.

Perfume making on Caldey was inspired by the profusion of wild flowers growing on the island. In the early 1950's bunches of Caldey lavender were sold to day visitors, which gave the monks the idea of creating scents using the lavender and other island plants. These early scents proved popular with the visitors and it was decided to try to produce perfumes on a more commercial scale. One of the island buildings was converted into a perfumery and, with the help of expert perfumers, the monks began to formulate more sophisticated fragrances, soon establishing the Caldey Abbey Perfumes brand, with a reputation for high quality, original fragrances.

Fragrance expert Luca Turin wears Caldey Island's Island Lavender Water which he describes as "simply the best lavender soliflore on earth" in his book 'Perfumes: The Guide' by Luca Turin & Tania Sanchez.

'Caldey Island for Men' Cologne by Caldey Island 100 ml For Him £20.00	Caldey Island Perfume Number One Cologne 50 ml For Her £16.00
Caldey Island Perfume Number One Parfum 28 ml £25.00	'Island Lavender Water' by Caldey Island 50 ml For Him or For Her £16.00