Waverley Abbey, Cistercian abbey ruins in Farnham, England
Waverley Abbey is a medieval monastic ruin in Farnham, England, where stone walls and arches of varying heights stand across meadows beside the River Wey. The remaining structures reveal elements of Gothic design, with pointed arches and foundations that once formed the church, cloister and working quarters of the community.
Bishop William Giffard of Winchester founded the monastery in 1128, making it the first Cistercian house in England. The monks left after the dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII in the 16th century, and the buildings gradually fell into ruin.
The site lent its name to the Waverley Annals, a medieval chronicle recording events between 1066 and 1291. Monks compiled these records over generations, creating one of the principal sources for understanding life and politics in early medieval England.
English Heritage manages the site, which remains open throughout the year, with a marked path leading from the car park to the ruins. The ground consists of grass and uneven paths, so sturdy footwear is advisable in wet conditions.
During World War II, the natural curve of the river and the adjacent lake were incorporated into London's defense system and used as a tank trap. This military function gave the peaceful riverside landscape a temporary strategic role.
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