Cleeve Abbey, Cistercian monastery in Old Cleeve, England
The medieval monastery contains preserved conventual buildings with a refectory featuring a wooden angel roof and extensive wall paintings from the 13th century.
Founded in the late 12th century, Cleeve Abbey operated until 1536 when Henry VIII ordered its closure during the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
The refectory displays architectural elements influenced by early Cistercian churches of Burgundy, reflecting the international reach of monastic design principles.
English Heritage maintains the site, offering guided tours and educational programs about medieval monastic life throughout the year.
The monastery retains the most complete set of medieval domestic buildings found in any English Cistercian institution, despite the church's demolition.
Location: Old Cleeve
Inception: 12 century
Website: https://english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/cleeve-abbey
GPS coordinates: 51.15761,-3.36286
Latest update: May 16, 2025 15:57
Somerset contains medieval abbeys, Norman castles, Elizabethan manors and prehistoric bridges. The region offers limestone gorges, ancient oak woodlands and beaches with geological formations. The villages feature market halls, dovecotes and small churches. The landscape shows hills with wide views, river valleys and moorlands.
St Andrew's Church
1.4 km
Old Cleeve Post Office
1.4 km
St Pancras Chapel
1 km
Black Monkey Bridge
1.9 km
Corner Cottage
1.4 km
Old Cleeve War Memorial
1.1 km
River Cottage
1.6 km
The Dragon House Hotel
1.2 km
Melba Cottage
1.6 km
Clyden's Cross
1.1 km
Old Cleeve Farmhouse, Railings, Dwarf Wall And Gate Fronting Road
1.7 km
Wayside Cottage
1.4 km
Pillar House
1.6 km
19 Old Cleeve
1.4 km
20 And 21
1.4 km
K6 Telephone Kiosk (No 40524)
1.4 km
Timbers
1.4 km
Little Cleeve
1.6 km
Unidentified Chest Tomb, In Churchyard About 1 Metre West Of Porch, Church Of St Andrew
1.4 km
29, 30 And 31
1.5 km
Unidentified Chest Tomb, In Churchyard About 8 Metres South Of Porch, Church Of St Andrew
1.4 km
Whitehall
1.7 km
35
1.7 km
South View
1.4 km
22
1.4 km
Unknown Chest Tomb, In Churchyard About 10 Metres South Of Chancel, Church Of St Andrew
1.4 km
No 9
1.4 km
Churchyard Cross, In Churchyard About 6 Metres South Of South Aisle, Church Of St Andrew
1.4 kmReviews
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