Woburn Abbey |
| Hob Uid: 346651 | |
Location :
Central Bedfordshire
Woburn
|
| Grid Ref : SP9640032500 |
| Summary : Cistercian abbey founded in 1145 as a daughter house to Fountains in Yorkshire. It was dissolved in 1538 and was replaced by a private residence, (see SP93SE22 for Woburn Abbey country house). Some Mediaeval fabric, possibly from the West end of the church, is incorporated in the house. |
More information : (SP 964325) Woburn Abbey on site of (NAT) Abbey (NR)
(Cistercian) (NAT) (1)
The Cistercian abbey of Woburn was founded in 1145 by Hugh de Bolebec, as a daughter house to Fountains in Yorkshire. The abbey was reduced to great poverty in 1234 and nearly all the monks were dispersed to neighbouring houses, but by the end of the 13th century it was one of the wealthiest houses in the county, with probably 40-50 monks. The abbey was surrendered in May 1538. The present house stands on the site of the Cistercian abbey and may include walling material from the Medieval building. (2-4)
Recent renovation and building work have disclosed traces of the Cistercian Abbey. The lower courses of a Medieval wall were found under the north-west corner of the present House and may relate to the west end of the church. Trial mechanical excavations on the site of a new garage, on the site of the demolished east end of the north wing, revealed no evidence of any part of the Church; deep post-Medieval cellars had obliterated any earlier evidence. (5) |