More information : ST 861229. The site of the Abbey Church of St. Mary and
St. Edward, Shaftesbury was excavated in 1816, 1861, 1902-5, 1930-32
and 1955, revealing the remains of a late 11th/early 12th century
cruciform structure; the eastern arm of three bays had a central
apse and was flanked by chapels with smaller apses. Early in the
14th century a chapel with crypt beneath, was built in the angle
between the north chapel and north transept with entrance to the
crypt by a canted flight of stairs. A leaden casket was unearthed
in 1931 at the chapel and contained the fractured remains of a young
man, plansibly identified as the relics of St. Edward. A large chapel, probably a Lady Chapel was also added in the 14th century on the southside of the eastern arm, replacing the 11th century south chapel (see plan for details).
Heavy foundations uncovered at the western extremity of the
excavated area perhaps correspond with the twin western towers
indicated on the 13th century abbey seal. Of the pre-conquest church
(circa 888 AD or earlier - see ST 82 SE 4) no remains have been
identified although carved stones preserved on the site include some
that can be dated to the 10th or early 11th century. A few
architectural fragments imply that the church was stone built but
they provide no information as to its form. (1-2)
Two fragments of 8th-9th century Saxon work have been found during excavations, and 5 fragments of 10th-11th century work. (3) |