| Summary : Norman and later Benedictine monastery, one of the most important monastic centres in England. Built on the site of an earlier minster and Benedictine monastery, (see SU59NW 166). Following the collapse of the central tower in 1091, the church was rebuilt, and the fromer monastic buildings demolished and rebuilt. The abbey was suppressed in 1538. Trial excavations located the great church built in the Norman period from 1091-1120. Robbing after the Disssolution had been so extensive that even the foundations were removed. Reconstruction of the plan from the original excavation notes shows the church to have been aisled with transepts and arectangular chancel. However, much detail is still uncertain. The cloister and monastic buildings were arranged to the South of the church. Abbey buildings extant include the late 13th or early 14th century guesthouse, and the late 15th century gatehouse. Dependencies: Earls Colne, Edwardstone, Milton (Oxon), the Hospital of St John, (Abingdon), and it owned Charney Grange. |
More information : (SU 50059716] Site of ABBEY CHURCH OF ST. MARY [G.T.] (1)
The Benedictine Abbey at Abingdon was first founded 675 A.D.,
refounded c. 954, and dissolved in 1538.
Excavations to determine the sites of the two Saxon churches,
and the Norman church and conventual buildings of 1091-1120,
were conducted by AE Preston, in 1922. The remains of the Norman
church were found immediately east of the gardens of Abbey
House, and remains of a small Saxon apse were found under the
presbytery.
The late 15th century gatehouse and a square block of late 13th
or early 14th century date with a long east wing mainly of 15th
century date, which may represent the guest-house, are the
principal extant remains of the abbey. (2-4)
The extant remains are:-
Abbey Gate (see GP AO/63/63/3)
Abbey Granary (at SU 49959700)
Long Gallery (at SU 49989703 see GP. AO/63/63/6)
Exchequer or Checker (at SU 49979701. See GP A0/63/63/6 and 7.
The original purpose of this latter C15th or early C16th building is
not known).
In Abbey House gardens there are numerous sham remains constructed
from old materials but nothing identifiable as an original Abbey
building. (5)
Excavations report. History of abbey and its buildings. (See also
attached pamphlet). (6)
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