More information : (SP 89750099) Missenden Abbey (on site of) Abbey (NR) (1)
One of the larger houses of the order of Augustinian Canons; the Abbey was founded in 1133 and dissolved in 1538. (2)
Missenden Abbey, 300 yds W of the church. The present main building is of square or courtyard plan and is on the site of the cloister; the abbey church, which stood N of the cloister has been completely destroyed; much of the walling of the E range of the claustral buildings remains in the E wing of the house, although no medieval details are visible in the masonry; the walls of the S wing of the house are partly those of the frater, and there are probably also remains of the W range. The walls are covered with modern plaster. (3)
Excavation of four areas of the abbey grounds was carried out in 1983, ahead of development work. Area I proved to be within the church; two or three structural phases, the earliest of the mid 12th century were found. Area II contained the remains of monastic agricultural buildings, including a late medieval timber barn. There was also a possible late medieval stone building, perhaps the abbey guest range or servants' quarters. Area III provided evidence of another large building. Area IV examined the eastern end of an existing pond; this showed that it had once been larger, perhaps a medieval fishpond. (4)
A watching brief in 1984 observed a number of medieval structural features, including the east tower base and/or pulpitum base. Evidence of post-Dissolution demolition and alteration was noted. The 15th century dorter roof was surveyed. (5)
Missenden Abbey was gutted by fire in July 1985. This destroyed the 15th century roof and the remaining shell of the abbey was filled with rubble; much medieval and Tudor stonework was recovered from the debris. A photogrammetric survey was arranged by the RCHME. Some demolition for safety was made and a steel framework inserted to support the building necessitated substantial below-ground disturbance. During this salvage work, a substantial green and yellow tile pavement was discovered. (6) |