Cerne Abbey, Benedictine abbey ruins in Cerne Abbas, England
Cerne Abbey is a monastery ruin in Cerne Abbas that includes a stone guesthouse, an ornately vaulted stone porch, and sections of the original gatehouse now built into Abbey House. These architectural remains date from different periods of the medieval monastery's construction and occupation.
The monastery was founded in 987 by Æthelmær the Stout and grew into an important center of learning and spiritual life. Its role ended in 1539 when King Henry VIII ordered the closure of all English monasteries.
The first abbot Ælfric of Eynsham created educational texts in Old English and Latin, including a Colloquy that shows conversations between farmers and monks from that time.
The ruins sit on private land and require an entrance fee to visit. It's wise to check opening times and site conditions before planning your visit.
The Book of Cerne, an Anglo-Saxon prayer manuscript from the monastery, contains intricately designed illustrations and is now held at Cambridge University. This early medieval manuscript shows the skilled craftsmanship that flourished here.
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