Shaftesbury Abbey was an abbey that housed nuns in Shaftesbury, Dorset. It was founded in about 888, and dissolved in 1539 during the English Reformation by the order of Thomas Cromwell, minister to King Henry VIII. At the time it was the second-wealthiest nunnery in England, behind only Syon Abbey.
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A stunning area of all that remains of Shaftesbury Abbey that is rich in English history & was founded by King Alfred the Great in AD888 and his daughter was it's first abbess, it was one of the richest nunneries in the Country for 650 years, until it was closed & then destroyed on the orders of Henry VIII in 1539.
It is free to enter but donations are very much appreciated for the upkeep of the place, the knowledge from the friendly lady at the entrance who greeted me was outstanding, she made me feel so welcome & taught me so many amazing facts that even I didn't know, a very relaxing place to walk around or sit down quietly to get the feel of what it must of been like all those years ago.
There is a recently refitted museum now open that was part of a 2 year community project ( Shaftesbury Abbey - a voyage of exploration & discovery), you can also purchase hot & cold beverages & cakes from the shop window plus ice creams, lots of interesting plants for medicinal purposes on show in the gardens too to read about their uses, well...
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Shaftesbury Abbey was a lovely addition to our family afternoon outing (We have a toddler and baby). The museum provided a really helpful insight into the Abbey, it’s long history, and what it would have been like to live and work there. What’s left of the Abbey after it was destroyed has been really thoughtfully displayed with information about each section of the original buildings. The gardens are beautiful, well kept with areas cordoned off for safety and to preserve Abbey remnants. There were activities for children in the museum including a wooden Abbey puzzle, dress up basket and interactive screen. There was a peaceful and respectful atmosphere and we...
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What a find. Walking along admiring the beautiful views, turned round, and there it was. A peaceful, secret garden, full of history. Stones and cravings rescued from the grounds of the Old abbbey, and lots of interesting historical information, and surprising facts about the place. A small musuim area indoors, and a wonderful statue overlooking the garden. There are raised herb gardens, with plants for sale, and places to just sit and contemplate. Very meditative feel about it. Beautifully restored and tended completely by volunteers! Please give a donation as you leave, as entry is free since Covid. (Not the sort of place for...
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