England
Somerset

Abbeys and Monasteries in Somerset

Cleeve Abbey   A small Cistercian abbey begun in 1198. Little of the abbey church remains, but the 13th century dormitory and the 15th century refectory hall (with a wonderful timber roof) remain intact, giving a good idea of what life must have been like for the monks who made this riverside spot their home. Washford, Somerset, England, TA23 0PS Attraction Type: Abbey Location: ¼ mile South of the A39 Website: Cleeve Abbey Phone: 01984 640 377 English Heritage Location map Details of Cleeve Abbey OS ST047 405 Heritage Highlight: The superb 15th century refectory with a beautifully carved wooden roof Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Glastonbury Abbey    Is there a place more steeped in legend and myth than Glastonbury? Probably not. Legend holds that the earliest church here was founded by St. Joseph of Arimathea in about 60AD, and that when he planted his staff in the earth a thorn tree burst forth. In the grounds of the ruined Benedictine monastery there is a thorn tree of a variety common to the Middle East which is given to bloom around Christmas time. By the late Middle Ages Glastonbury had become the richest abbey in England, due to the heavy pilgrimage trade. It was rich enough to build an inn for well-to-do pilgrims (the George Inn, on nearby High Street, which still welcomes guests 500 years later). The best preserved building in the abbey grounds is the old Abbot's Kitchen, a curious square building which appears round due to its octagonal roof. In the abbey grounds are the reputed graves of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, which were conveniently discovered by the Glastonbury monks in the 12th century, when the abbey needed a financial boost. Outside the grounds are the abbey tithe barn, which now serves as a wonderful rural museum, and 4 miles away at Mere is the abbey's Fish House, were fish was salted and cured. Glastonbury, Somerset, England, BA6 9EL Attraction Type: Abbey Website: Glastonbury Abbey Email: info@glastonburyabbey.com Phone: 01458 832 267 Fax: 01458 832 267 Location map Details of Glastonbury Abbey OS ST499 389 Heritage Highlight: The graves of King Arthur and Queen Guinivere, though historically dubious, offer a real insight into the medieval mindset. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Muchelney Abbey   Surviving of this Benedictine abbey are the foundations and cloister ruins, as well as the abbot's lodging which survived the Reformation as a farmhouse. Two-storey monk's lavatory. Muchelney, Langport, Somerset, England, TA10 0DQ Attraction Type: Abbey Location: 2 miles S of Langport in Muchelney village Website: Muchelney Abbey Phone: 01458 250 664 English Heritage Location map OS ST429249 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Stoke-sub-Hamdon Priory    The Great Hall of this 14th/15th century complex of farm buildings is open to visitors. North Street, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, Somerset, England, TA14 6QP Attraction Type: Abbey Location: 2 miles W of Montacute between the A303 and the A3088 Website: Stoke-sub-Hamdon Priory Email: stokehamdonpriory@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01935 823 289 National Trust Location map OS ST472 174 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts