Stanley Abbey facts for kids

Stanley Abbey was a medieval monastery in Wiltshire, England. It was a home for Cistercian monks. The abbey was active for many years, from 1151 until 1536. It was located near Chippenham.

The Abbey's Beginning

The story of Stanley Abbey began in 1151. A powerful woman named Empress Matilda gave land to a group of monks. These monks came from Quarr Abbey on the Isle of Wight.

At first, the abbey was built at a place called Loxwell. But in 1154, the monks moved it to a nearby spot called Stanley. This new location gave the abbey its name.

Growing Bigger and More Important

Stanley Abbey grew quite large over the next two centuries. By the 1200s, it covered about 450 acres (1.8 square kilometers). This was a huge amount of land!

The abbey also became very important. Its leaders, called abbots, met with powerful people. For example, in October 1200, Abbot Nicholas hosted King John at the abbey. Later, in 1210, another abbot, Thomas of Calstone, attended a meeting with King John in York.

Even kings used the abbey! In 1280, King Edward I gave stone to the monks. This stone was for building a special room just for him. The abbey's old records say he used this room in 1282. Other important people also stayed there. These included Princess Mary, the bishop of Salisbury, and King Edward II. They visited in the early 1300s.

The End of Stanley Abbey

The abbey's long history came to an end in 1536. This was part of a big event called the dissolution of the monasteries. During this time, King Henry VIII closed many monasteries across England.

The last abbot of Stanley Abbey was Thomas Calne. The abbey officially closed in February 1536. Today, there are no buildings left standing at the original site. It's just a green field on private land. But you can sometimes visit it from Old Abbey Farm.

What Happened After?

After the abbey closed, its land was given to a man named Sir Edward Baynton. He took materials from the old abbey buildings. He used these stones and other parts to build his own large house in Bromham.

Much later, in 1864, the land was sold again. John Bayntun Starky sold it to Gabriel Goldney of Chippenham.

Discoveries at the Site

Over the years, people have found many interesting things at the old abbey site. They've discovered old burial places and even a blacksmith's forge. Coins and tiles have also been found.

In 1905, a person named Harold Brakspear led an excavation. This is like a careful digging project to find old things. Brakspear's work helped people understand how the monastery was laid out. He found where the church, the infirmary (a place for sick monks), and even a dovecote (a building for doves) once stood.

Spye Arch in the 19th century

Today, the original entrance to the abbey is still visible. It now serves as a gateway to Spye Park. People in the area call it Spye Arch.

Images for kids

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  Ground plan of the abbey, from the description by Brakspear (1907)