More information : (ST 79840235) Milton Abbey (NAT) Benedictine Abbey (NR) (Remains of) (NAT) (1) There were more remains of Milton Abbey than any other monastic site in Dorset. The conventual buildings stood on rising ground close by the church and formed a rectangular plan with courtyards, some of the fabric had datestones inscribed 1515 and 1529. Sir John Tregonwell utilized many of the buildings after he was granted the Abbey in 1540, but between 1730 and 1771 almost all the buildings were demolished when the 1st Earl of Dorchester built a large mansion on the site. This mansion incorporates the Great Hall of the monastery which had been rebuilt in 1498 by Abbot Middleton. The Hall, described as a 'perfect specimen of a monastic refectory', was judiciously preserved. It is 53ft. long and 26ft. wide. (2,3)
The building is now called Milton Abbey School. (a). The remains of the refectory are as shown on the OS 1/2500. The building is in a good state of preservation, but has been slightly restored, though it retains its original roof timbers and some windows. (4)
Abbot's Hall and Kitchen - Listed Grade I. (5)
History and description of the site. (6,7) |