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Buildwas Abbey
Travel Information and nearby accommodation
The extensive remains of a 12th century Cistercian abbey standing in a water meadow beside the River Severn. The remains are unusually complete, and include the vaulted chapter house with medieval tile flooring. The church is almost unaltered from its 12th century foundation.
Buildwas was founded in 1135 as a Savignac monastery by Roger de Clinton, Bishop of Coventry and Lichfield. The Savignac order was merged with the Cistercians in 1147 and the abbey was refounded as the abbey of St Mary and St Chad.
The earliest buildings date to about 1155. These iclude the abbey church, chaper house, and cloisters. The infirmary and abbot's lodging ewere added in the 1220s, and a parlour wing and chapel in the following century.
The abbey was never very large or wealthy, and supported a population of onl;y 6-12 monks. Unlike Cistercian abbeys like Fountains and Rievaulx, which became rich from sheep farming, the monks at Buildwas survived with the income from tolls charged to travellers using their bridge across the Severn. All was not a peaceful rural idyll, however, as evidenced by the events of 1342, when the abbot was murdered, and 8 years later, when the abbot and monks were imprisoned by Welsh border raiders. The abbey further suffered a raid from the Welsh under Owain Glyndower in 1406.
Buildwas was dissolved in 1536, and the property was granted to Lord Grey of Powys. The abbot's lodging and the infirmary were converted into a house.
The abbey buildings are constructed primarily of sandstone rubble with ashlar dtressing. The remains include a fine collection of medieval wall tiles. One memorable feature are the huge (14 foot diameter) pillars in the nave. A pleasant woodland walk leads along the riverbank from the abbey.
A4169,
Buildwas,
Shropshire,
England, TF8 7BW
About Buildwas Abbey
Attraction Type: Abbey
Location: On the A4169, 2 miles west of Ironbridge. Parking onsite. Seasonal opening only.
Website: Buildwas Abbey
English Heritage
Location
map
OS SJ643043
Heritage Highlight: 4
Nearest Accommodation to Buildwas Abbey
Nearest Self Catering Cottages |
 Rickyard Cottage -
1.5
miles from Buildwas Abbey
Leighton, Shropshire
Sleeps: 2
Stay from: £170 |
 The Byre Cottage -
1.5
miles from Buildwas Abbey
Leighton, Shropshire
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £180 |
 The Cornhouse -
1.5
miles from Buildwas Abbey
Leighton, Shropshire
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £195 |
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Nearest Tourist
Information Centre
Ironbridge
Tourist Information Centre
Ironbridge Gorge Museum Trust
Coalbrookdale
Telford
Shropshire
England
TF8 7DQ
Tel: 01952 884 391
Fax: 01952 884 391
Email: tic@ironbridge.org.uk
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