Robertsbridge Abbey facts for kids

Robertsbridge Abbey was an old abbey (a special kind of religious home) for Cistercian monks. It was located in a place called Robertsbridge in East Sussex, England. The abbey was started in the year 1176 by a couple named Alured and Alicia de St Martin.

What Was Robertsbridge Abbey Like?

Because of where it was built, near the sea, the land around Robertsbridge Abbey often had problems from the water. This meant the abbey never became very rich or famous. It was a quieter place compared to some other big abbeys.

The End of the Abbey

In 1538, the abbey was forced to close down. This happened during a time called the Dissolution of the Monasteries, when many religious houses in England were shut down by the king. The abbot (the head monk) at the time, Thomas Taylor, had to give up the abbey. There were only eight monks living there when it closed. After the abbey was shut down, its land and buildings were given to a person named Sir William Sydney.

What Can You See Today?

The main part of Robertsbridge Abbey that still stands today is the Abbot's house. This house was built a very long time ago, around the year 1250. It used to be a farmhouse, but now it's part of a private home. The house is mostly made of stone, with some red bricks. It has a steeply-pitched roof with tiles.

Hidden Rooms and Ruins

Underneath the Abbot's house, there's a crypt, which is like an underground room. The house is considered a very important historical building, known as a Grade I listed building. In the garden of the house, you can also see the ruins of another rectangular stone building. This was once part of the Frater, which was the monks' dining hall. These ruins are also protected as a Grade II* listed building.