Bruern facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bruern |
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 House on the Bruern Abbey site |
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 Bruern
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| Population | 62 (2001 Census) |
| OS grid reference | SP2518 |
| Civil parish |
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| District |
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| Shire county | |
| Region | |
| Country | England |
| Sovereign state | United Kingdom |
| Post town | Chipping Norton |
| Postcode district | OX7 |
| Police | Thames Valley |
| Fire | Oxfordshire |
| Ambulance | South Central |
| EU Parliament | South East England |
| UK Parliament |
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Bruern (also known as Bruern Abbey) is a small village or 'hamlet' in West Oxfordshire, England. It's located near the River Evenlode, about 6 miles (10 km) north of Burford. In 2001, only 62 people lived there, making it a very quiet place.
Contents
History of Bruern Abbey
The Cistercian Monastery
In 1147, a man named Nicholas Basset started a Cistercian Abbey here. An abbey is a type of monastery where monks live and pray. This abbey was like a "daughter house" of Waverley Abbey in Surrey.
The monks at Bruern Abbey owned land in different areas. They had property in western Oxfordshire, eastern Gloucestershire, and even in Priddy, Somerset. In 1382, they also bought the large estate (or 'manor') of Fifield, Oxfordshire.
The Abbey Closes Down
The abbey was closed down in October 1536. This happened during a time called the Dissolution of the Monasteries. This was when King Henry VIII closed many monasteries across England. He took their land and wealth.
What Happened After
After the abbey closed, its property went to Sir Anthony Cope. He was an ancestor of the Cope family.
Around 1720, a large country house was built for the Cope family. It might have been built on the same spot where the old abbey stood. There is still a small building called a Georgian cottage on the grounds. Inside, it has a special room with three arched ceilings. This part might be a very old piece of the original abbey buildings.
Modern Ownership
In 2012, Michael Bishop, who is a Baron, bought the 18th-century house. He completely updated and improved the Abbey. This included adding a big, impressive stone staircase that seems to float. He also put in a lot of data cables and a large underground car park.
