Medieval Monasteries in Somerset

Athelney Abbey was founded by Alfred the Great to give thanks for his victory over the Danes. The Abbey stood on the site where Alfred sought refuge in the Athelney marshes in the winter of 877-878. Very little is visible above ground except for an 1802 monument marking the spot.
Cuts Road, East Lyng, Somerset, England, TA7 0SB

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Heritage Highlight: Founded by Alfred the Great

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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.
Abbey Road, Washford, Watchet, Somerset, England, TA23 0PS

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Heritage Highlight: The superb 15th century refectory with a beautifully carved wooden roof

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According to legend - one of many that cling to the Glastonbury area - the earliest church here was established by Joseph of Arimathea, who brought with him the Holy Grail. Sometime around 700 AD a Saxon abbey was established on the site of Joseph's church. That Saxon monastery grew to become one of the richest in England, aided in no small part by pilgrims who came to see the grave of King Arthur, conveniently discovered within the abbey grounds.
Abbey Gatehouse, Magdalene Street, Glastonbury, Somerset, England, BA6 9EL

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Heritage Highlight: The graves of King Arthur and Queen Guinivere, though historically dubious, offer a real insight into the medieval mindset.

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The first monastery at Muchelney was probably founded in the late 7th century by King Ine of Wessex. A foundation charter proving the early establishment of the monastery was discovered to have been a forgery written much later, but the royal connection with King Ine is still very much a legitimate possibility.
Muchelney, Langport, Somerset, England, TA10 0DQ

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Sometime around the year 1300 John de Beauchamp, the 1st Baron Beauchamp, established a chapel dedicated to St Nicholas in his manor at Stoke sub Hamdon. The chapel was served by a priest, who lived in a nearby rectory. In 1304 the rector resigned his post and so Sir John founded a chantry college for four priests and a provost to serve the chapel. It is not clear whether the Beauchamps built a new building to house the priests, or if they simply reused the earlier rectory buildings.
North Street, Stoke-sub-Hamdon, Somerset, England, TA14 6QP

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