Haughmond Abbey

Website http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConProperty.339

Classification Historic Building

DescriptionThe extensive remains of an Augustinian abbey, including its abbots' quarters, refectory and cloister. The substantially surviving chapter house has a frontage richly bedecked with 12th and 14th century carving and statuary, and a fine timber roof of c. 1500. New pictorial interpretation boards guide the visitor, and an introductory exhibition displays archaeological finds. Picnic area and light refreshments available.

The Abbey began as a small religious community towards the end of the 11th century. During the 1130s it attracted the patronage of William fitz Alan of Clun. In 1135 he founded an Augustinian priory, but having established itself as one of the Order's more influential houses, Haughmond was given Abbey status in 1155.

There are believed to have been some 24 canons residing at the Abbey by the end of the 12th Century. From the architectural evidence surviving today, it appears that it was once a thriving and prosperous community. It was dissolved in 1539 as part of Henry VIII's nationwide Dissolution of the Monasteries. Records show that the then Abbot and 10 cannons were present at the signing of the deed of surrender, each of them receiving generous pensions. The annual income was estimated at just under £250.

After dissolution in 1539 as part of Henry VIII's nationwide Dissolution of the Monasteries, the new owner Sir Edward Littleton converted the Abbots Hall and adjoining rooms into a private residence. Later history also shows that some of the other buildings around the little cloister continued as private accommodation, with the little cloister becoming a formal garden, up until the Civil War.

There was a fire during the Civil War and it left the hands of the wealthy being turned over for use as a farm, a small cottage was still standing in the are of the former abbots kitchen when the ruins were placed in the guardianship of the Office of Works in 1933.

Position

Photographs

The Address, , Shrewsbury, unknown

Phone01743 709661

DateAug 12, 2006

Contact NameEnglish Heritage

CategoryEngland > Shropshire
England > Shropshire > Attractions in Shrewsbury

Local Information

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