| Summary : Premonstratensian Abbey of Great Parndon, founded by 1172 by Robert Mantell, moved to Beeleigh in 1180. There are no visible remains at the traditional site, which is now occupied by buildings of the Canons Brook Golf Club.
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| More information : [TL 4331 1038] Site of Monastery [GT]
[TL 4330 1035] Well [GT]
[TL 4323 1027] Gateway [GT] (1)
Late 17th c. gateway and 17th c. 5 - brick barn at Great Canons, some garden walls are of the same date. Foundation mounds east of the house are said to mark the site of the Pre-monstratensian Abbey before its removal to Beeleigh by
Maldon.
Premonstratensian Abbey founded - 1172, transferred to Beeleigh 1180. (2-3)
The group of buildings which comprised the former farm of Canons is being converted into a club house etc. for the Harlow Newton Golf Club*; in the process the barn has been gutted and windows and doors inserted. As much of the original fabric as possible is being retained.
GP AO/62/69/3 - view from W.
The two large brick pillars of the 17th c. gateway remain in good condition - GP AO/62/69/4 - from NW and GP AO/62/69/8 -from SE, but the well is concreted over. The garden walls are in poor condition and will not survive the alterations.
Nothing remains of the foundation mounds noted by RCHM beyond a strong scarping of the slope of uncertain identity published on the O.S. 25" 1920. However, recent excavations for garage foundations within a few metres of the Abbey siting symbol, revealed just below the ground surface a brick wall some 3' wide. (a) Descriptions of the brick suggest a 16th or 17th c. date. No record of any finds connected with the Abbey are kept by the Harlow Development corporation. (4)
Additional references. (5-6)
*The golf club was completed and named Canons Brook Golf Club.
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