Battle,
East Sussex
X marks the spot, or in this case,
the abbey marks the spot where the Battle of Hastings was fought in 1066. William the Conqueror had the abbey built in 1070, with the high altar built where Harold was killed. A stone plaque now marks the spot. The best preserved part of the abbey is the impressive 14th century Great Gatehouse. There are displays and an interactive exhibit on the history of the site.
Battle,
East Sussex,
England,
TN33 0AD Location: in Battle at the south end of the High Street
Website:Battle Abbey Phone: 01424 73792
Fax: 01424 775059
English Heritage Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Accommodation:nearest
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Lamberhurst,
Kent
Described as "The Fountains of the South", not for its importance in medieval times, but for its delightful setting. A Premonstratian house founded in 1211. Late 13th century additions provide wonderful decorative sculpture of the highest quality.
Lamberhurst,
Tunbridge Wells,
Kent,
England,
TN3 8DE Location: 1¾ miles W of Lamberhurst off B2169
Website:Bayham Old Abbey Phone: 01892 890 381
English Heritage Accommodation:nearest
hotels - nearest
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Bishops Waltham Palace
Bishops Waltham,
Hampshire
A moated Bishop's palace built in 1135 for the Bishops of Winchester. The bulk of the surviving structure dates to the 12th and 14th centuries, with a great hall and tower. Medieval guestrooms have been restored, and there is a small museum on site. The Palace was besieged by Parliament in the Civil War and the bishop was forced to escape in a dung cart, dressed as a labourer.
Bishops Waltham,
Hampshire,
England Location: 5 m NE Junction 8 of M27
Website:Bishops Waltham Palace Phone: 01489 892 460
English Heritage Accommodation:nearest
hotels - nearest
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Boxgrove Priory
Boxgrove,
West Sussex
The fragmentary remains of a 12th century Benedictine Priory.
Boxgrove,
Chichester,
West Sussex,
England Location: 4 m E Chichester on minor road off A27
Website:Boxgrove Priory Phone: 01424 775 705
English Heritage Accommodation:nearest
hotels - nearest
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Brinkburn Priory
Rothbury,
Northumberland
English Heritage calls this site the "finest example of early Gothic architecture in Northumberland". Located in a heavily wooded valley.
Rothbury,
Northumberland,
England Location: 4 m SE of Rothbury, off B6334
Website:Brinkburn Priory Phone: 01665 570628
English Heritage Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Accommodation:nearest
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Buckfastleigh,
Devon
A modern Benedictiine monastery in a peaceful setting on the verge of Dartmoor. A Saxon monastery stood here as early as 1018. In 1147 the monastery became Cistercian, and the entire abbey was rebuilt in stone. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1539 the abbey property was sold and the abbey left to decay. In 1882 Buckfast was reestablished as a Benedictine monastery, and as such it has flourished. .Buckland is famous for keeping bees and producing its own brand of honey and Buckfast Tonic Wine.
Buckfastleigh,
Devon,
England,
TQ11 0EE Location: off A38
Website:Buckfast Abbey Email:education@buckfast.org.uk Phone: 01364 645 500
Fax: 01364 643 891
Accommodation:nearest
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Bushmead,
Bedfordshire
The remains of a small Augustinian Priory built in 1195. The Priory is a rare surviving example of crown-post architecture, and the timber frame roof is worth noting. The Priory also boasts medieval wall paintings and original stained glass. Limited opening; check English Heritage website for details.
Bushmead,
Eaton Socon,
Bedfordshire,
England,
MK44 2LD Location: 4 miles NW of Eaton Socon on minor roads
Website:Bushmead Priory Phone: 01525 860 152
English Heritage Details
of Bushmead Priory Accommodation:nearest
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Coxwold,
Yorkshire
Ruined abbey known for its rose window and lovely geometric floor tiles.
Coxwold,
Yorkshire,
England,
YO61 4BD Location: 2 miles S of A170 between Thirsk and Helmsley
Website:Byland Abbey Phone: 01347 868 614
English Heritage Photo Credit: David Ross and Britain Express
Accommodation:nearest
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Cartmel,
Cumbria
The gatehouse is all that remains of a 12th century Augustinian priory, which had to be fortified following raids by Robert the Bruce. Closed until further notice.
The Square,
Cartmel Cartmel,
Grange-over-Sands,
Cumbria,
England,
LA11 6QB Location: In the centre of Cartmel
Website:Cartmel Priory Gatehouse Phone: 01524 701 178
National Trust Details
of Cartmel Priory Gatehouse Accommodation:nearest
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Washford,
Somerset
A small Cistercian abbey begun in 1198. Little of the abbey church remains, but the 13th century dormitory and the 15th century refectory hall (with a wonderful timber roof) remain intact, giving a good idea of what life must have been like for the monks who made this riverside spot their home.
Washford,
Somerset,
England,
TA23 0PS Location: ¼ mile South of the A39
Website:Cleeve Abbey Phone: 01984 640 377
English Heritage Accommodation:nearest
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Crowland,
Lincolnshire
8th century abbey rebuilt several times; surviving Norman aspects can be seen in the font and the west arch of the central tower. The abbey underwent its final destruction in 1539 as part of Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries. The nave of the abbey church and two side aisles were left standing to serve as the parish church for Crowland. Sadly, only the north aisle now remains.
Crowland,
Lincolnshire,
England Location: off the A1073, 10 miles N of Peterborough
Website:Crowland Abbey Phone: 07761 549 865
Details
of Crowland Abbey Accommodation:nearest
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