Summary : The outer court of Cleeve Abbey. This formed a rectangular enclave of 1.2 hectares within the precinct, bounded on the north, south, and west by walls that still survive, although much patched since the Dissolution. Doorways with four-centred heads survive in the south and west walls, all leading to the orchards, meadows and garths that occupied the outer reaches of the precinct. There are no recognisable remains of the buildings connected with the exploitation of the abbey's estates, which would normally stand in the outer court. Near the west range of the conventual buildings is a mound circa 4 metres in diameter and circa 0.5 metres high, marked by a circle of stones. This protects the former octagonal foundation for the base of a cross. It was traditionally known as the Barter Cross and possibly related to the secular activity of the cellarer's range. |