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Abbotsbury Abbey

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

The Abbey of St Peter at Abbotsbury was a Benedictine monastery founded in the 11th century by Orc, steward to King Canute. After Orc and his wife Thola died, they left the abbey to the church. The abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1538 and the buildings destroyed so that the stone could be used for local building projects.

The remaining bits and pieces of Abbotsbury Abbey include the abbey gateway, St Catherine's Chapel, the gable end of the abbot's lodging, and the imposing Great Barn. The latter building, which measures 272 feet long by 31 feet wide, is the largest thatched building in the world.

After the abbey was dissolved, the abbey estates were purchased by Sir Giles Strangways. Much of those estates, which included the abbey's manor houses, the Abbotsbury Swannery, and several water mills, are still owned by the Strangways family.
Abbotsbury, Dorset, England

About Abbotsbury Abbey
Attraction Type: Abbey
Location: In the centre of Abbotsbury village, off the B3157. Most of the abbey remains are beside the current churchyard.
Website: Abbotsbury Abbey
English Heritage
Location map
OS SY580850

Heritage Highlight: The Great Barn, the largest thatched building in the world.
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions St Catherine's Chapel - 0.5 miles (Historic Property) Abbotsbury Swannery - 1.5 miles (Family) Abbotsbury Gardens - 1.5 miles (Garden) Kingston Russell Stone Circle - 1.7 miles (Prehistoric) Abbotsbury Castle - 1.8 miles (Prehistoric) Hardy Monument - 2.6 miles (Historic Property) Winterbourne Poor Lot Barrows - 3.5 miles (Prehistoric) The Nine Stones - 3.8 miles (Prehistoric)

Nearest Towns and Villages Abbotsbury - 0.4 miles away Bridport - 7.2 miles away Weymouth - 7.3 miles away Dorchester - 7.8 miles away Charminster - 8 miles away Toller Fratrum - 8.1 miles away Toller Porcorum - 8.4 miles away Stinsford - 9.2 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Abbotsbury Abbey

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

Sea View - 4.3 miles from Abbotsbury Abbey Weymouth, Dorset Sleeps: 7 Stay from: £250

Southbarn Cottage - 5.6 miles from Abbotsbury Abbey Askerswell, Dorset Sleeps: 7 Stay from: £360

The Haywain - 5.6 miles from Abbotsbury Abbey Askerswell, Dorset Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £290

More Self Catering near Abbotsbury Abbey

Nearest Hotels

Moonfleet Manor - 4.6 miles from Abbotsbury Abbey Chickerell, Dorset Stay from: £160.00

The Lugger Inn - 4.8 miles from Abbotsbury Abbey Chickerell, Dorset Stay from: £60.00

Riverhouse Inn - 5.5 miles from Abbotsbury Abbey Upwey, Dorset Stay from: £40.00

More Hotels near Abbotsbury Abbey

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

Churchview Guest House - 4 miles from Abbotsbury Abbey Winterborne Abbas, Somerset From: £46.00

Churchview Guest House - 4.1 miles from Abbotsbury Abbey Dorchester, Dorset From: £100.00

Graingers Guest House - 6.4 miles from Abbotsbury Abbey Radipole, Dorset From: £30.00

More bed and breakfasts near Abbotsbury Abbey

Weymouth
Tourist Information Centre
The King's Statue
The Esplanade
Weymouth
Dorset
England
DT4 7AN
Tel: 01305 785747
Fax: 01305 788092
Email: tic@weymouth.gov.uk
Web: http://www.weymouth.gov.uk
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