There was a mixed monastic community here in the 7th century. What we see today are the remains of a 13th century building. When Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries in the 16th century, the buildings quickly fell into ruin. Once the lead from the roof was gone, there was no protection, and much of the stone was taken by local people for their own constructions. The final blow to this abbey is rather curious: a passing WW1 German warship shelled it. Since then it has been rather better preserved.
Quite remarkable ruins! I wonder what she looked like just after her original completion!
ReplyDeleteMy reaction is exactly the same as Leif's. It must have been magnificent when it was whole! Do you know what happened to it?
ReplyDeleteThere was a mixed monastic community here in the 7th century. What we see today are the remains of a 13th century building. When Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries in the 16th century, the buildings quickly fell into ruin. Once the lead from the roof was gone, there was no protection, and much of the stone was taken by local people for their own constructions. The final blow to this abbey is rather curious: a passing WW1 German warship shelled it. Since then it has been rather better preserved.
ReplyDeleteWe visited the Abbey in 2008. Interesting place, great history.
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