Browse Locations » United Kingdom » South West England » Forde Abbey
Forde Abbey
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Forde Abbey
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“Forde Abbey is a beautiful and majestic building, which has occupied its Somerset site for over nine hundred years. Built by Cistercian monks in 1141 in honour of their dead patron Richard de Brioniis, Forde Abbey flourished for over four hundred years. All the buildings that remain today originate from the Middle Ages, and housed the monks in considerable comfort. The remains are embellished with spectacular high, arched roofs and wooden panelling throughout. In its heyday, Forde Abbey was renowned as a seat of learning. Abbot Baldwin, who was the third abbot at Forde Abbey, went on to become the Archbishop of Canterbury, and John Devonius who replaced him as abbot, was later confessor to King John and reputed to be one of the most learned men of his age. The future of the abbey was threatened in the 1550’s when Henry VIII began his Dissolution of the monasteries. However, the abbot at the time, Thomas Chard had spent much time and money rebuilding and improving the abbey and was reluctant to let it fall into disrepair. Instead, he chose to hand Forde over to the crown and it was maintained as a private home. The abbey has since been passed down through a succession of political figures and their families, including Oliver Cromwell’s Attorney General. Both the abbey and the estate have been immaculately preserved. The thirty acres of gardens are a delight and include a new addition – a fountain which fires water 160 feet into the air! ”
Chard, Somerset
TA20 4LU
Visit Website
1 Apr-31 Oct: Tue-Fri, Sun 12-4:30pm
Gardens open all year: daily 10-4:30pm
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