There was a monastery here as early as the 7th century, but the Abbey was founded by the Saxon nobleman Ailwine in 964. At that time Ramsey as little more than an island in the fens, and the monks had to build a causeway to connect the abbey to the mainland. was a product of the 13th century. During the medieval period Ramsey Abbey was one of the most prestigious in East Anglia.
Though most of the abbey buildings were destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries, the Lady Chapel survived to form part of the Abbey Grammar School. The ruined 15th century gatehouse of the abbey contains superb carvings and an ornate oriel window.
In Ramsey village the largely 12th century parish church was once the guesthouse for the abbey.
