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Abbeys and Monasteries in Dorset

Abbotsbury Abbey   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. Abbotsbury, Dorset, England Attraction Type: Abbey Heritage Highlight: The Great Barn, the largest thatched building in the world. Heritage Rating:   ? 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 OS SY580850 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden   Shaftesbury Abbey was founded by King Alfred around 888AD, and Alfred's daughter Aethelgiva was the first Abbess. The town grew up around the abbey during the late Saxon period, and gained in importance to the point where it was granted the right to have no less than three money minters under Aethelstan. During the medieval period the Abbey was a popular destination for pilgrims who flocked to the shrine of St. Edward. The excavated remains of the abbey church lies within a walled garden, and the Shaftesbury Abbey Museum traces the history of the site. Park Walk, Shaftesbury, Dorset, England, SP7 8JR Attraction Type: Abbey Heritage Rating:   ? Location: in the town centre Website: Shaftesbury Abbey Museum and Garden Email: user@shaftesburyabbey.co.uk Phone: 01747 852 910 Fax: 01747 852 910 Location map OS ST863 229 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

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