Listed Building Description:

HAILES SP 03 SW, 03 SE STANWAY SP 02 NW, 02 NE 3/111, 4/111, 6/111, 7/111 Hailes Abbey I 04/07/60

Ruin of Cistercian Abbey. Mid C13, C15, C16. Rubble and ashlar stone. Part of cloister walls, various lower walls of east, south and west ranges around cloisters. Property of National Trust, in guardianship of H.B.M.C.; Ancient Monument Gloucestershire No 74. (See W. St. C. Baddeley, A Cotteswold Shrine, 1908; HBMC guidebook, 1985). Listing NGR: SP 05036 30007. {Source Work 2414.}

The wall painting at Hailes Abbey of a row of shields in the chancel, gives the impression that it may have been based on a general roll of arms. {Source Work 10965.}

1866 - A field visit was made by members of the Cotteswold Naturalists Field Club to the site of Hayles Abbey during 1866. The site was noted as the remains of only a few broken arches, with more reputed to have been standing at the end of the 18th century. This account implies an antiquarian investigation of the abbey's church to have taken place though no details are given for the recording of this as an event. {Source Work 3034.}

1899-1900 - Reverend W Bazeley wrote an article on the history of the abbey of St Mary, Hayles and reported on excavations that had taken place in 1899 and 1900. The Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society were able to examine the site and repair broken arches. Accumulated soil was then cleared from the bases of walls and arches and the cloister walks.

In 1899 the northwest angle of the inner wall of the cloister was found which had perpendicular masonry, matching the remaining arches of the west cloister walk. The cloister walks were measured to 132 feet long and 12 feet wide with a garth of about 100 square feet. Bazeley noted that the foundations of the inner wall had been mostly destroyed and the remaining northwest doorway into the church remained but was blocked with Perpendicular stonework.

Evidence of two fires was found, one thought to pre-date the re-building of the cloister and the second thought to relate to damage or destruction in the post-dissolution house around 1775.

It was found that the five arcades of the north cloister were not carrels, as a stone bench was found running along it. A mason working with the excavation team restored the floor line here with dry walling. Several artefacts were deposited here by the excavators, six 16th century heraldic bosses from the west walk, a doorway head to the chapter house, (these were later taken to the Abbey Museum) window mouldings (including what was thought to be the central portion of the great east window of the presbytery) and a vaulting rib. Part of a carrel was found filling up the northeast doorway, Bazeley considered that the carrels therefore, were in the same position as those in Gloucester Cathedral. Bazeley considered the arches from the north, east and west sides of the cloister to be Early English and dating to 1246 to 1251. Many of the arches have Perpendicular work inserted to carry the vaulting ribs.

The arch leading to the sacristy seemed to have been damaged after 1856, by 1899 half the head had gone and the excavators found and replaced a blue lias base and part of the shaft. The eastern wall of the sacristy was noted to be very thick and vaulting was supported by two sets of shafts in line with those of the chapter house. The northern wall had been destroyed. The team carried out pruning work here, on ivy that was both damaging and supporting broken arches.

Three arches of the chapter house survive. The sills of the side openings were restored with dry walling. Bazeley noted that there was still a foot of soil to be cleared from the cloister walk before the original level could be reached. Work to clear the chapter house was described as thorough and the room was found to be 35 feet by 48 feet. Four bases of Early English columns were found. Bazeley stated that "amongst the rubbish which covered the floor to the extent of nearly 8 feet, we found most of the vaulting ribs, many fragments of blue lias bell shaped capitals, painted red as a ground for gold, six beautiful bosses almost perfect, and a trefoil shaft lying near its socket in the stone bench at the east end, part of one of the responds of an arch. We found also some mouldiings which probably formed part of the east window inserted after the fire of 1270. Many fragments of tiles of early 16th century date were also found, similar in every respect to the Hayles tiles at Southam-de-la-Bere." The bosses were thought to date to 1250.

The monk’s parlour was considered to measure 32 feet by 12 feet. The doorway to this room had been underpinned with Perpendicular work and then cut through to insert a corbel from which came the wall ribs of the groining.

The doorway to the vaulted undercroft of the dormitory was semi-circular headed and there were two cupboards on the eastern side in the wall. The dormitory staircase was exposed when a tree was cut down at the southeast corner of the cloister.

The doorway of the warming house had a trefoil shaped head. The lavatory contained part of the trough at its eastern end.

The doorway of the frater was described as "a splendid example of Early English architecture. 15th century alterations hid earlier work with plaster. Cupboards were found on either side of the doorway and a hatch. The kitchen butteries and pantry had completely disappeared. Excavation here had only gone as far as 3 feet south of the wall.

Three inner arches of the west side of the cloister remained, and whilst clearing the floor six more bosses were found, the heraldic designs of which are described in the article.

In 1900 work concentrated on the church. The work was seen to belong to two phases Early English (c.1250) and transitional Early English (c.1275). The older church ended with a straight wall behind the high altar and in 1275 an eastern apse was added with five polygonal chapels, two semi-circular ambulatories and "a structure, eight feet by ten, from a point in which radiated all the rest." This structure was interpreted as the shrine at Hailes which remained until the 16th century. Architectural fragments were again found including plinths, shafts, inner walling, ribs, caps, mullions and a boss. Two chapels of the apse were floored with 13th century encaustic tiles and the central chapel had 14th century tiles.

The presbytery had north and south aisles that were 10.5 feet wide and 13th and 14th century tiles were found. Four arcades were found between the presbytery and its aisles on either side. By the high altar were found the probable "pyramis" of the founder and fragments of the tomb of Edmund, Earl of Cornwall, including fragments of effigies. A round stone vessel, 3 feet in diameter, was found in front of the high altar. With the large amount of lead found around the vessel intermixed with clay, it was interpreted as being for melting the lead sold at the Dissolution.

More tombs were found in the chapels of the south aisle along with many fragments of two 15th century monuments.

A 13th century carved bracket showing three dragons devouring each other was found in the north aisle. Transepts were seen to the right and left of the choir each with three eastern chapels. Traces of a central tower similar to Tintern were also seen. The church was found to be 320 feet in length. Fragments of stained glass, of various dates were also found and were taken to the museum at the abbey.

After the excavation the site was covered up again. Rev Bazeley hoped further work could examine the abbots lodging, frater, warming house and infirmary. {Source Work 2717.}

1901 - Using the footings that remained and the courses of the walls of the two southern chapels of the abbey, H Brakspear discussed in detail, the plan of Hailes Abbey and it's architecture in the Transactions of the Bristol and Gloucestershire Archaeological Society. A plan is given in the article along with illustrations of piers from around the abbey. {Source Work 8759.}

1908 - Hailes Abbey is included in TW Williams article on the Medieval libraries of Gloucestershire. {Source Work 1557.}

1966-1970 - The Cistercian Abbey of Hailes is noted as one of the major English wool producers of the Medieval period, with other Cistercian and religious houses in the county. {Source Work 10704.}

1966-1970 - A summary history of the Cistercian Abbey of Hailes is given in the Proceedings of the Cotteswold Naturalists Field Club. This was given, probably in connection with a society visit and the excavations then being carried out, by HER O'Neil who notes the foundation, construction and reconstruction of one of the foremost Cistercian monasteries in the country. The authoress of this account notes here being shown the site by W St Clair Baddeley in the 1930s and the specific planting of yew trees to make the positions of the nave's columns in the abbey church after the later 19th centruy excavations. {Source Work 3021.}

1966-1970 - The developed eastern end plan of the monastery at Hailes is noted in passing by a summary article in the Proceedings of the Cotteswold Naturalists' Field Club on the development of churches across Gloucestershire. {Source Work 10166.}

1970-77 - Programme of excavation carried out at Hailes Abbey by the Department of the Environment. Excavation was lead by T.J. Miles, A. Musty and P.J. Brown in different years. The work has not yet been published [as of 04/08/2021] but annual write-ups appeared in various journals soon after phases of work had been completed.

1970/1 - "Clearance and conservation of the ruins of the Cistertian Abbey by T. J. Miles for D.o.E has elucidated a plan of the eE end of the Church including a 13th century tiled floor, and the E range of the cloister buildings. The inner arcade of the cloister was cleared and revealed two main phases." {Source Work 4126.}

1973 - "A.E.S Musty for D.o.E re-excavated the SW corner of the cloister of this Cistertian Abbey, which had been excavated by Welbore St Clair Baddeley between 1906 and 1909. The fraters for the monks and lay brothers lay on either side of the kitchen. The monks' frater contained benches and a dais. The kitchen was rebuilt at half its original size. All the buildings except the S end of the monks' frater were converted into a house at the dissolution." {Source Work 713.}

1975 - "HAILES ABBEY (SP 050300). P. J. Brown for D.o.E. examined the W. end of the church of the Cistercian abbey (cf. Medieval Archaeol., XVIII (1974), 189). Footings of the W. front with short lengths of surviving ashlar and doorways were revealed. A rfith-century mortar surface with tile impressions layover earlier floors and clay deposits and perhaps a sleeper wall for the S. arcade. Footings of the Galilee porch were recovered, but no trace of internal flooring has survived in the area excavated at present. Previous excavations and drainage trenches have severely disturbed this area. Drainage operations N. of the N. transept confirmed that the cemetery lies in this area. Also observed was a flagstone floor, c. 4 m. wide, not aligned on the main axis of the church." {Quoted from Source Work 10873.}

1976 - "HAILES ABBEY (SP 050300). P. J. Brown for D.o.E. stripped the nave of the church of the Cistercian abbey (cf. Medieval Archaeol., xx (1976), In). Despite extensive robbing some large rubble remained, but little masonry survived above the level of the footings. Part of the S. half of the nave appeared to have been used as an allotment after the dissolution. Excavation stopped at the latest floor level, on which tile impressions and a few early 16th-century tile fragments survived. The screen was located, but there was no trace of the nave altar. In the S. aisle two small chapels with associated features were cleared." {Quoted from Source Work 4127.}

1977 - "HAILES ABBEY (SP 050300). P.]. Brown for D.o.E. continued excavation in the nave, choir and N. transept of the church of the Cistercian abbey (cf. Medieval Archaeol., XXI (1977), 225). The latest monastic floor levels were uncovered; many tiles in situ included plain tiles N. of the pulpitum and tiles related to those from Chertsey in the choir and the N. transept. Stone footings of the choir stalls were found. Previous excavation by W. St Clair Baddeley had disturbed stratigraphic relationships, but the surviving evidence suggests subsequent widening of the stalls. Dust-like material which had fallen beneath the stalls produced many small finds. The base of the presbytery step was found and a small portion of the presbytery heraldic pavement was re-exposed." {Quoted from Source Work 10880.}

The Galilee porch was also included in the 1977 excavations. That year's excavation revealed "numerous tile spreads... ...dating from the 13th-16th centuries." and several graves were identified but were not excavated. {Source Work 1032.}

1978 - The site was surveyed by English Heritage Ancient Monuments Lab between 11 and 14 July 1978. Detailed resistivity measurements have confirmed the presence and suggested something of the layout of buildings that appear to be part of the Infirmary Hall and a contiguous building interpreted here as the 15th century chapel mentioned by Baddeley. That these lie exclusively to the west of a linear feature running across the field seems to suggest a substantial eastern boundary to the monastic complex. Further buildings, such as a kitchen or the Abbott's Lodging, have not been located or are not identifiable as such amongst the anomalies detected. Magnetic evidence for probable archaeological feature is limited to a very few discrete anomalies only one of which, in the northern corner of the field, can be proved on present evidence to be of significance, although the remainder (and perhaps especially that nearest the buildings) might repay investigation. {Source Work 6084.}

1997 - A condition audit of wall paintings at Hailes Abbey was undertaken by the Ancient Monuments Laboratory. It includes a wall painting record, general audit information, documentation of original materials and execution of the painting, and deterioration and damage including previously used materials and treatment as wel as proposals for treatment and monitoring strategies {Source Work 12162.}

1998 - Formerly referred to as SAM74 and SAM122. See also HERs 2317 to 2319 and 7631.

1999 - The Cistercian Abbey at Hailes is noted as a site that has produced sherds of early South Netherlands Majolica vessels. Only at Bristol have other such vessels been recorded in Gloucestershire. {Source Work 11341.}

2000 - A programme of archaeological monitoring was carried out at Hailes Abbey by Gloucestershire County Council Archaeology Service on the 2nd and 3rd October 2000, during groundwork’s for British Telecom ducts. Six trenches were excavated; no archaeological deposits were recorded within these. A single small fragment of floor tile of provisional Medieval date was retrieved from Trench 1. {Source Work 6077. }

2000 - An archaeological evaluation was undertaken on the site of the castle by Cotswold Archaeological Trust on 19-20/01/2000 in connection with a planning application for the construction of a single storey extension to the existing property. A single test pit was excavated. 12th-14th century pottery was located in a thick layer of alluvium that appeared to have built up on the site. {Source Work 5628.}

2000 - A watching brief was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeological Trust at Home Orchard Cottage, Hailes. A substantial layer of alluvial build-up resulting from episodic flooding was recorded. {Source Work 5971.}

2000 - A palaeo-environmental assessment of a disused man-made pond at Hailes Abbey was undertaken by the Centre for Archaeology. On-site sampling began in 2000 and a report was produced in 2001. A range of techniques was employed including a stratigraphical survey, plant macrofossil, pollen, ostracod, and diatom analyses. The results show that the pond deposits extended to 3.5m in thickness. Microfossil concentrations were, in general, low (there were no diatoms at all) and only a minimum of information was extracted from the deposits. Nevertheless, there is good evidence to suggest that further analysis, particularly in plant macrofossils and pollen, may provide an insight into pond management issues and local vegetation in the vicinity of Hailes Abbey. Should restoration of the pond be considered it is recommended that consideration is given to the sedimentary sequence at this site. {Source Work 6505.}

2001 - Site visited by R Massey of English Heritage. Some areas are under continuous cultivation with intermittent history of Post-Medieval cultivation and mixed cropping. Un-alluviated. Possibly some evidence of colluviation at southern edge of site adjacent to Cotswold escarpment. Topsoil depth c40. Heavy clay loam, well structured. Estimated depth c18cm+. Level ground. Abundant surface pottery, much in un-abraded condition and building material suggests serious on-going disturbance of stratigraphy. Possible localised patterns of protection due to spread of plough-degraded structural remains and earthwork features. Suggest evaluation of extent of plough damage needed here. {Source Work 7244.}

2001 - Scheduled Monument Consent granted in July 2001 for the re-excavation of a short length of ditch and the re-alignment of rabbit proof fencing as a flood prevention measure at Hailes Abbey. {See Site File.}

2003 - An archaeological watching brief was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology on 28 annd 29 May 2003 in connection with the renewal of a service pipe. No finds or features of archaeological significance were recorded. {Source Work 7391.}

2004 - The site was included as part of the county's entry in the Gazetteer of British Tile and Architectural Ceramic Sites. The report notes that tiles were specially designed during the rebuilding of the presbytery (1271 to 1277). The tile designs were mainly heraldic with oxidized and reduced tiles laid alternately to introduce colour variation. It is thought that these tiles may have been made on site although no kiln has yet been found. Other areas including the chapter house were repaved with tiles featuring heraldic designs in the early 16th century before the dissolution. These tiles were decorated with poured slip. This pavement may now be seen in the Abbey Museum. {Source Work 7267.}

2005 - Gloucestershire NMP (Cotswold & Forest of Dean)

Historic England UI: 328152 SP 03 SE 9 - "(SP 051301) Castle (NR) (Site of) Moat (NR) a castle built at Hailes c1139-48 AD, probably lay close to the existing 12th cent. church, and was destroyed when the abbey was founded in 1246.

The small castle already in existence at Hailes, was strengthened between 1138 and 1150 AD by Ralph of Worcester, who also built the church adjoining it. It must have been demolished before AD 1245 when Richard Earl of Cornwall possessed the manor, or his child Richard by his second wife Sanchia, would have been born there. The moated site can still be traced at a distance of 150 yards due east of the church, and a road, often mistaken for a ditch, can be traced leading across Hailes Field from the direction of the Monk's Pool and the Salt-way, to the castle entrance.

The moat has now been completely filled in. The documentary evidence for the castle is insufficient to establish the exact site. The reference in the Landboc of Winchcombe Abbey states that Ralph of Worcester 'fortified the camp'. There is documentary evidence for depopulation at Hailes (b). Mr Musty (c) knew of no archaeological evidence which would suggest the OS siting.

The site is in a low-lying position and not well situated for defence. The nearest suitable ground is in fact the earthwork in Hailes Wood (SP 03 SE 12) which may be an early Norman adaptation of an earlier work. Neither Mrs Winkless nor Mr Musty could offer any arguments against this hypothesis except the probability that the church would probably have been nearer the castle. The 'moat' could have formed the enclosure for the village which may have existed here before the foundation of the abbey in 1246.

SP050302 Hailes. Possible Deserted Medieval Village listed in Deserted Medieval Villages of Gloucestershire The remains of a Stephanic castle at Hailes, documented as extant in 1135-50.

The earthwork remains of the defensive earthwork or moat of the former castle at Hailes described by the previous authorities were seen centered at SP 0515 3024. This feature was recorded as an earthwork on RAF vertical photographs taken in 1947, but have now been leveled through ploughing. The feature identified as the moat could be traced in an arc between SP 0505 3029 and SP 0521 3010 to the north of the site of the later abbey. Traces of further linear banks and ditches to the south may be associated with the castle and linears to the east of the moat are thought possibly to former field boundaries of Medieval or later date.

These features were all mapped at 1:10,000 from aerial photographs scale as part of the English Heritage: Gloucestershire NMP project." {Source Work 4249.}

2005 - An analytical earthwork survey and investigation report on Hailes Abbey and its environs, Stanway, was carried out by the Archaeological Survey and Investigation Team from English Heritage in November. The report discusses the previous archaeological and architectural research on the site, the historical background and looks at the map evidence available for the site.{Source Work 8686.}

2006 To the south east of the surviving claustral buildings is a large rectangular area, thought to be a former pond. The nature of the 'pond' was unclear as was the survival of any remains of the monastic culvert and associated structures in the area. The discovery of part of the a masonry-revetted dam and the sediments observed in a test pit demonstrate that the 'pond' was an artificial water body and radiocarbon dates from the sediment sequence show that it was medieval in date. The pond probably dried or silted up following the Dissolution and no longer existed by the late 16th century. Significant archaeological remains survive very near the surface immediately to the south east of the standing abbey remains and the culvert was found to survive and continue further south east towards the pond. {Source Work 13758.}

2006 - A recently discovered map of Hailes Abbey by Ralph Treswell from 1587 has led to the identification of a nine-bay barn with a dovecote and a sheephouse within the precinct of the Abbey. The source of water, originally assumed to be only from the lake can be seen to be also from a spring on the lower Cotswold hillside and also from a conduit house. The water here flowed along a 'pipe of lead' to what appears to be a settling tank within the outer court, and then to the abbey's south range. {Source Work 8959.}

2006 - The remains of the eastern cloister range at Hailes Abbey are noted as 13th century in date, within a review of these ranges of Cistercian monastic houses generally. These buildings were largely complete by 1251 AD and Hailes exhibits a markedly plain parlour entrance in comparison to the chapter house. It is thought probable that the parlour also acted as a slype (passage) between the transept and the chapter house out from the cloister. The lack of elaboration suggests that by the time of Hailes' construction in the 13th century the earlier importance of the chapter house, and of other eastern range buildings, had been lost. {Source Work 11476.}

2008 - Watching brief of the Hailes Abbey Cottage refurbishment, Stanway. Several carved stones and a piece of Medieval floor tile, probably robbed from the neighbouring abbey, were recorded. A previously unrecorded well was also found under the floor of one of the rooms. {Source Work 9936.}

2009 "Detailed magnetometry and magnetic susceptibility reconnaissance survey were carried out to the north and north west of Hailes Abbey, Gloucestershire. The survey covered three separate zones that are referred to as Area A, Area B (west) and Area B (east). Area A is approximately 2.75ha and is located to the north west, but immediately adjacent to, the scheduled zone surrounding Hailes Abbey. Area B (west) is approximately 8ha and covers the field immediately to the north of Hailes church of which the southern half lies within the scheduled area. Area B (east) is approximately 2.5ha that extends to the north east of Area B (west) towards Hailes Woods and lies well to the north of the scheduled area.

The magnetometry within Area A revealed parallel positive linear anomalies that may indicate ditches bounding a former course of the Salt Way. Other linear and discrete anomalies may represent former cut features but their origin was generally considered to be uncertain.

The results from Area B (west) revealed strong evidence for features of archaeological potential within the southern and western parts of the field and extending approximately 60m to the north of the northern limit of the scheduled area. Positive linear, curvilinear, rectilinear and discrete anomalies indicate former cut features. Negative linear and rectilinear anomalies may indicate structural remains consisting of stone footings. Magnetic debris, revealed by the magnetometry, correlated with enhanced zones of magnetic susceptibility supporting evidence for at least two zones of former industrial activity within the scheduled area. Survey within Area B (east) revealed positive linear and discrete anomalies of uncertain origin." {Source Work 9906.}

2009 - An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in April 2009 at Hailes House, Gloucestershire. Two trenches were excavated. The evaluation identified a landscaping layer containing two sherds of pottery of 13th century date; this layer may have been associated with the creation of Hailes Abbey or its dissolution, but could equally be the result of post-medieval or later landscaping activity on site. All other deposits encountered were associated with modern landscaping. No structural features were encountered {Source Work 14312.}

2009 - Extensive significant problems i.e. under plough, collapse. {Source Work 9917.}

2009 - Data sent by field monument warden: From site of Hailes Ringwork c. 90m N of Church: extensive scatter of Medieval pottery - principally of grey-brown fabric with reduced finished. {Source Work 10091.}

2009 - Negative watching brief at Hailes Abbey, Stanway. {Source Work 9922.} Site archive deposited at Cheltenham Art Gallery and Museum under Acc No CAGM 2010.14.

2010 - The analytical earthwork survey, and history, of the abbey is detailed in a specific summary article looking at Hailes in the international journal of Cistercian history. This article dispels some of the myths of the site - including those associated with the adjacent Hailes Chapel. The remains and earthworks at Hailes are noted as a particularly good example for how springs and streams were harnessed by the Cistercian orders. The transition to a Post Medieval landscape following the Dissolution of the Monasteries is paralleled elsewhere, though the transition to a farming landscape took place here earlier than elsewhere in the later 17th century following the demise of the designed landscape. {Source Work 11390.}

2012 Hailes castle subject of research for a dissertation which concluded that the likely location of the castle was actually on the site of Hailes Wood Camp (HER 68). {Source Work 11821.} This interpretation has been supported by an examination of lidar data by Bryn Gethin of Warwickshire County Council.

2015 - Scheduled Monument Consent given on 16/12/2015 for soil sampling for habitat recreation and restoration {Source Work 10426.}

2017 - Watching Brief during groundworks for the replacement of sign boards at Hailes Abbey, Winchcombe. No features or deposits of archaeological significance were present. {Source Work 17672.}

2018 - An archaeological evaluation was undertaken by Cotswold Archaeology in April 2018 at Hailes House, Hailes Cheltenham Gloucestershire. One trench was excavated. A make-up layer containing 13th to 15th-century pottery overlying by a possible surface was identified. Later landscaping, of probable 20th-century date, was also identified {Source Work 15136.}

Information transferred from HER 67:-

A castle built at Hailes in about AD1139-48, probably lay close to the existing C12 church and was destroyed by the foundation of the abbey in 1246. The small castle already in existence at Hailes was strengthened between 1138 and 1150 by Ralph of Worcester, who also built the adjoining church. It must have been demolished before 1245 when Richard, Earl of Cornwall possessed the manor, or his child Richard by his second wife Sanchia would have been born there. The moated site can still be traced at a distance of 135m due east of the church and a road often mistaken for a ditch, can be traced, leading across Hailes Field from the direction of the Monk's Pool and the Salt Way to the castle entrance. {Source Work 862.} The moat has now been completely filled in. The documentary evidence for the castle is not sufficient to establish the exact site. The reference in the Landboe of Winchcombe Abbey states that Ralph of Worcester fortified the camp. There is documentary evidence for depopulation at Hailes.

Mr Musty (Archaeologist in charge at Hailes Abbey) knew of no archaeological evidence which would suggest the Ordnance Survey siting. The site is in a low-lying position and not well situated for defence. The nearest suitable ground is, in fact, the earthwork in Hailes Wood (HER 68), which may be an early Norman adaptation of an earlier work. The 'moat' could have formed an enclosure for the village, which may have existed here before the foundation of the abbey in 1246. Earthworks in the field north of Hailes Church may be the remains of a moated site for a manor house otherwise lost. {Source Works 599, 862 and 3021.}

Hailes referred to in 1086 as Heile of unknown meaning. {Source Work 316.}

More information in Source Work 3074.

The site of the alleged castle relates to an enclosure, the portion which is plotted on Ordnance Survey 6" maps is now completely ploughed over. From the scarp a right-angled stretch of dense stone scatter can be seen in this field, but a slightly different position to that of the enclosure on the map. No visible surface features showing. {Source Works 362 and 470.}

Mary's Abbey remains at SP 0504 3004; Cistercian founded 1246. Fishponds at SP 0509 2986. {Source Work 862.}

The Monk's Frater is at present (1973) being excavated and consolidated. The fishpond at SP 0509 2986 has been partially filled. The ditch leading to it from the north east is probably part of the garden shown in Kip's view (see Guide Book). The pond itself may also have been altered at this time, although, as it feeds the stone drain which runs beneath the Abbey, it was probably an original feature. Two other fishponds are at SP 0501 2991. {Source Work 862.}

Cambridge aerial photographs of Abbey and its environs some tree removal on east side of cloisters and excavation and restoration activity in southeast corner. {Source Work 484.}

Photograph (A10 33) show detail of east side clear of trees and layout of foundations? Visible. Major fishpond as plotted on Ordnance Survey 1:10000.

Photograph A10 31 - major fishpond and attendant earthworks visible and linear banks and scarps bounding eastern edge of Hailes Wood. An irregular water-filled channel is visible south east of Fruit Farm. {Source Work 2319.}

Photograph A10 32 - close-up of earthwork remains of a possible building complex visible east of cloisters at SP 0512 2994 (not plotted on HER map).

Photograph AT2 - Linear cropmarks visible in field north of church. {Source Work 4280.}

Site of glasshouse mentioned in depositions on destruction of Hailes Abbey.

Medieval buckle found in field at Hailes. Bronze with iron pin. In Gloucester City Museum. {Source Work 902.}

Also found near Hailes Abbey, in a drain, were a 15th century brass candlestick and 14th to 15th century lead spindle whorl.

Tiles and miscellaneous small items from Hailes Abbey also in Gloucester City Museum. {Source Work 599.}

1970s excavation report in preparation by A Musty - (info 1994)

Possibly a quarry site. {Source Work 862.}

2018 - Elements of this monument were previously recorded within the Historic England National Record of the Historic Environment. Additional information from those records, formerly held within the AMIE database, is quoted below:

Historic England UI: “327865 - SP 02 NW 39; A square moat south of Hailes Green Farm (SP 048299) is unlikely to have belonged to the early 14th century castle built at Hailes by Ralph of Gloucester. (1) SP 04802992. The remains of two arms of a moat extend from a S angle for about 50.0m NW and NE. The NW arm has been badly mutilated by a driveway and rockery, dense vegetation covers the S angle. A small stream flows around the perimeter. A bungalow (built 1968) occupies the interior; no finds have been recorded. Faint traces of a probable subsidiary moat adjoin the NE side at SP 04852995. Published 1:2500 survey revised. (2)” { Source Work 4249.}

Historic England UI: “328158 SP 03 SE 11 Remains of (NAT) St Mary's Abbey (NR)(Cistercian. Founded AD 1246) (SP 05092986) Fish Pond (NR). (1) Please see the abbey guidebook for more information. (2) As described. The Monks' Frater is at present being excavated and consolidated. The fish pond at SP 05082988 has been partially filled. The ditch leading to it from the NE is probably part of the garden shown in Kip's view (a) (See DOE guide). The pond itself may also have been altered at this time, although as it feeds the stone drain which runs beneath the Abbey, it was probably an original feature. Two other fish ponds are at SP 05012991. Published survey (25") revised. (3) I Hailes Abbey Cistercian Abbey. 1246. Destroyed 1539. Only part of C.13 cloisters are left. National Trust. (4) Most prominent at Hailes Abbey today is the elaborate ambulatory with radiating chapels built in 1270 to accommodate pilgrims who came to see the relic, a phial of Holy blood, that was brought to Hailes by the Earl of Edmund (d 1300). It was his father Richard (d1272) Earl of Cornwall, who founded the Abbey in 1246. The Abbey was dissolved in 1539 and the splendid buildings looted and largely destroyed except for parts of the cloister which were retained as a dwelling. In the 17th century this was the home of the Tracey family who bought it from the crown, but after 1680 it was occupied by tenants and there after divided up into farm houses. In 1937 the site (much of which had been excavated in the late 19th century) was handed over to the National Trust, which in 1948 placed it in the care of English Heritage (formerly HBMC). During the more recent excavations at Hailes floor tiles were discovered in the Presbytery. These tiles carried heraldic devices of the earls of Cornwall and their relatives. (5-6) More of these tiles were found in an unusual locality as part of the building rubble at an early 19th century house in Cheltenham. Mr W Hodgin found the lead glazed tiles in 1984 and donated them to Cheltenham Museum. (7) A variety of pottery has been found at Hailes dating from the 13th century to post Medieval times. Surrey White Ware, south Netherlands 'Altar Vases' and Raeren stone ware have all been found at Hailes Abbey and they date to the 15th-16th century (8) Alembics, which are used in the distilling process, were found at Hailes Abbey. A complete type 2 alembic was found when the site was being cleared. The pot dates to 1550-1650. (9) A Musty re-excavated areas formerly dug by Wilborne St Clair Baddeley between 1906-1909. (10) Drainage operations north of the transept confirmed that a cemetery was in the area. (11) Please refer to these sources for detailed information on the abbey. (12-15) Two fishponds and other earthworks situated immediately south and east of the abbey are visible on aerial photographs. The earthworks extend over an area that measures up to 210m long by 100m wide and is orientated roughly south-west / north-east. They comprise: rectilinear fishponds centred at SP 0507 2991 and SP 0501 2991 that are connected by a leat; a group of irregular mounds and scarps centred at SP 0510 2996 that may represent spoil from 19th and 20th century excavations and / or the site of the infirmary, and parts of a water management system connected to the fishponds and probably the mills. The later includes an embanked leat that extends between SP 0511 2988 and SP 0520 3001, curvilinear platforms to the north of which could represent the site of a mill. Alternatively, this leat and a parallel terrace situated circa 30m to its west may be the result of 17th century landscaping, as shown in Kip's engraving. (16-17) The Cistercian abbey of Hailes was founded in 1246 by Richard of Cornwall, in thanksgiving for deliverance from shipwreck, and dissolved on Christmas Eve 1539. Though never housing large numbers of monks, it had extensive and elaborate buildings, financed by pilgrims visiting its renowned relic, 'the Holy Blood of Hailes' - allegedly a phial of Christ's own blood. Sculptures, stonework and other site finds are displayed in the museum. (18).” { Source Work 4249.}