Abbotsbury Abbey, Abbotsbury, Dorset
An aerial reconstuction drawing of Abbotsbury Abbey in the late Middle Ages, by Philip Corke. The abbey of St Peter at Abbotsbury housed a Benedictine community founded in 1044 by Orc, a house steward of King Cnut. Its layout probably followed the normal Benedictine pattern of that time, with the monastic buildings grouped around a cloister to the south of the church. Very little is known of the early monastery, as much of it was demolished in Norman times: the remains now visible date from the 13th and 14th centuries. The swannery nearby was once an important source of income for the abbey as roasted swan was a delicacy in the medieval period. The abbey was dissolved in 1539 and the buildings were leased to Sir Giles Strangeways. He may have turned part of them into a residence. One small part is now (2011) in the care of English Heritage. Find out more.
