Cleeve Abbey

Website http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/ConProperty.249

Classification Historic Building

DescriptionCleeve Abbey is a well preserved Cistercian Abbey near the town of Washford, Somerset, England. Founded late 12th century, many buildings survived the Dissolution in 1536.

The site boasts some of the finest still standing Monks living quarters in Britain, with 15th century wall paintings, and medieval tiled flooring.

Cleeve Abbey was founded in the late twelfth century by William, Earl of Roumare, between 1186 and 1191, who was impressed by Cistercian monks strictness towards poverty prayer and obedience. On the 25th June 1198, a new colony of twelve monks was established.

The Abbey was initially called Vallis Florida (Flowering Valley) but later became Cleeve after the nearby village.

The Abbey gradually increased in size, land and occupants, reaching twenty eight monks in 1297. A major source of income was the export of wool.

The Black Death and a general decline in the Abbeys fortunes meant that at the time of Dissolution, the inhabitants numbered fifteen.

Position

The Address, , Washford, TA23 0PS

Phone01984 640377

DateAug 12, 2006

Contact NameEnglish Heritage

CategoryEngland > Somerset
England > Somerset > Attractions near Minehead

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