Bayham Abbey

 Bayham Abbey is in Kent, close to Tunbridge Wells and a little over 60 miles away from me and, until last week, I had never visited.

The Abbey was built over 800 years ago, being founded in 1208. It was home to Premonstratensian Canons. These were ordained priests leading a strict monastic life. The Abbey relied on the financial support of locals, which was forthcoming, but also enjoyed the support of some important benefactors including Edmund Abingdon, the Archbishop of Canterbury. 

Further impressive building works were carried out in the 15th century but in 1525 the Abbey was dissolved on the order of Cardinal Wolsey. Despite some violent protests by locals which enabled the dissolved canons to return for a short while the dissolution order remained and the Abbey gradually fell in to disrepair.

Eventually the ruins became a feature of some impressive gardens of a new house built close by. Around 200 years ago some repair and consolidation work was undertaken and the ruins were opened to the public. They remain open, under the control of English Heritage and are free to enter.