Buildwas Abbey, 12th-century Cistercian monastery ruins in Buildwas, England
Buildwas Abbey is a 12th-century monastery whose remains sit beside the River Severn with recognizable sections of walls, cloisters, and the chapter house still standing. The layout of these buildings makes it possible to understand how the monks organized their daily spaces.
Bishop Roger de Clinton founded the monastery in 1135 for the Savignac order, but within 12 years it joined the larger Cistercian movement. This shift connected the community to a powerful network of similar monasteries across Europe.
The monks managed a wool trade business that reached markets across southern Europe, shaping the economic life of the surrounding community. This commercial activity showed how monasteries functioned as centers of trade and wealth far beyond their religious duties.
The site is managed by English Heritage and features information panels explaining the different areas of the monastery. Plan for outdoor walking and bring weather-appropriate clothing, as the ruins offer little shelter.
The monks operated their own cargo barges on the River Severn starting in 1264, shipping wool directly to Bristol for trade. This investment in river transport shows how forward-thinking the monastery was about moving goods to market.
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