A CROSS-border row has broken out after English Heritage was accused of "appropriating’ Tintern Abbey.

Although the towering historic monument can be seen from the English side of the River Wye in the Forest of Dean, it is actually on the Welsh bank and administered by Cadw.

And sparks flew when the charity responsible for historic buildings in England put a photo of the Abbey on its social media.

Welsh posters quickly rushed to defend their national border and cultural heritage, telling EH to keep their ’grubby mitts’ off Wales’ treasured ancient building.

English Heritage initially posted the photo on Twitter saying: "Snapped looking west from Offa’s Dyke towards Tintern Abbey, the banks of the River Wye and the sweeping valley is a view to behold."

But after a storm of protest from Welsh posters alleging cultural appropriation, it added: "We’re sorry that you feel this way. This certainly wasn’t our intention - we just wanted to share a lovely view! - but we’ve added a tweet to make it clear that Tintern Abbey is in Wales."

The new Tweet says: "This photo shows the view from a stretch of Offa’s Dyke that we look after in England. The beautiful Tintern Abbey in Wales is cared for by Cadw.

"Good news, though: our members can use their passes in Wales and vice-versa. Thanks for all your comments."

"Keep your grubby mitts off. That’s Wales!" Claire Hopkin stormed before the amendment. "Gorgeous isn’t it, but no, you can’t have itâ?¦"

And another poster calling himself Andrew, Cymro Balch, said: "It’s got bugger all to do with English Heritage. It’s in Wales. An English king (Henry VIII) ordered its destruction."

Paul Sambrook added: "Someone needs to send you guys a map showing borders and stuff."

And Kevin Morgan posted: "Perhaps Tintern Abbey should be replaced by it’s Welsh name, with a nice big flag to avoid confusionâ?¦

"There may not be a hard border, but we still know our borders when we see them. Or at least, us Welsh/Celts do."

Mike Wilson also took issue, noting: "You may be surprised to learn Tintern Abbey is in a country west of England. We call it Cymru or Wales."

"Seems English covetousness towards other countries and their heritage remains undiminished as they seek to appropriate Welsh Heritage sites," added Gareth Parry.

And Alyn Davies pointed out "West from Offa’s Dyke is Wales. But I honestly can’t say I expect better from ’east of Offa Dyke Heritage’."

Jac Jones added: "Ummâ?¦ You’ll find that’s Welsh heritage. But thanks for acknowledging Wales’ beauty."

Another poster said: "Cultural appropriation is still live and kicking in England. Tintern Abbey is in Monmouthshire, WALES."

Richard Owen Powell added: "Lust and envyâ?¦ you can look but not touch."

And Steffan ap Dafydd Gwyllt asked: "Would you stand on the French border with Germany and claim everything you can see as your heritage? No? Then stop it with Cymru!"

Social media pundit Owen Williams posted: "I’m glad some find @EnglishHeritage’s tweet amusing. I’m failing to see the funny side though.

"Abaty Tyndryn (Tintern Abbey) is a @cadwwales property - *in Wales*.

"Such twisted appropriation of non-English heritage by the body representing England is fundamentally wrong."

Gareth Parry said: "Seems English covetousness towards other countries and their heritage remains undiminished as they seek to appropriate Welsh Heritage sites."

But Chris Formaggia noted: "Thank you for advertising this Cadw site and we look forward to welcoming you to Wales."

Although administered by Cadw, the Abbey actually belongs to the Queen as part of the Crown Estate and its arch window drawn by JMW Turner even features on the UK’s new £20 note.

Founded in 1131 by the Cistercians, it fell into ruin after the Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 1530s, but today is one of the most popular ancient monument attractions in Wales.