Abbotsbury Abbey, Abbotsbury, Dorset
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 and include this gable, or end wall, of a narrow building which might have formed part of the abbot’s lodging. 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.
