Bindon Abbey facts for kids
Bindon Abbey was once a big Cistercian monastery (a type of religious community) in Dorset, England. Today, only its old ruins remain. You can find it near the River Frome, close to the village of Wool.
Contents
The Story of Bindon Abbey
How Bindon Abbey Started
Bindon Abbey was first started in 1149. A person named William de Glastonia founded it. It was built near Bindon Hill by the coast. However, the land there was too difficult for the monks to live and farm.
So, in 1172, the monastery moved to a new spot near Wool. This new land was a gift from Roger de Newburgh and his wife, Matilda de Glastonia. Even after moving, the monastery kept its original name, Bindon.
Royal Support and Challenges
The abbey had the support of the Plantagenet kings. For example, King Henry III gave them several letters of protection. These letters helped keep the abbey safe.
Later, starting in the 1300s, the abbey faced some tough times. It had money problems and other difficulties. These issues made the abbey less wealthy. In 1535, its yearly income was about £147.
The End of the Abbey
In 1536, the king decided to close many monasteries. This was called the Dissolution. John Norman, who was the abbot (leader) of Bindon Abbey at the time, paid a huge sum of £300 to try and save it. But it didn't work. The abbey was closed down in 1539.
After the abbey closed, its land was given to Thomas Poynings, Baron Poynings. Later, it was bought by the Weld family in 1641. The Welds still own the land today.
What Happened Next
In 1559, Thomas Howard built a country house on the abbey's old site. But this house was burned down during the English Civil War. You can still see the outlines of Howard's gardens today. The Weld family later used stones from the old abbey to help build the nearby Lulworth Castle.
Exploring the Abbey's Remains
What the Buildings Looked Like
The foundations and walls that are still standing show how the monastery was built. It had a church shaped like a cross. The church had a main area (nave) and two side aisles. There were also two chapels off each arm of the cross shape. The other buildings where the monks lived were to the south of the church.
Most of the building work happened around the late 1100s and early 1200s. In the chapter-house (a meeting room), you can still see parts of the columns that held up the ceiling. Not much is left of the south side, where the kitchen and dining hall (refectory) were.
Other Buildings Nearby
Between 1794 and 1798, a small house called Bindon Abbey House was built on part of the old abbey grounds. It was built in a style called "Gothick". This house and a gatehouse from the same time are still there. Today, Bindon Abbey House is used as a wellness retreat.
The mill on the River Frome, called Bindon Mill, was also part of the monastery originally. It has since been turned into a home.
You can visit the ruins of Bindon Abbey, but you need permission from the people who live there now.
