St Dunastan's Abbey, Anglican abbey in Plymouth, England
St Dunstan's Abbey is a Gothic building designed by architect William Butterfield on New North Road in Plymouth, recognizable for its carefully detailed facades and fine stonework. The structure was converted into residential flats and housing starting in 2000, preserving the original construction while adapting it for contemporary living.
The Sisters of the Most Holy Trinity founded this institution around 1850 under Priscilla Lydia Sellon, establishing it as the first convent of the restored Anglican Church. Its conversion to an all-girls school in 1906 marked a significant shift away from its original religious purpose.
The name refers to Saint Dunstan and his place in English church history. Today the building functions as residential space, showing how sacred places adapt and become woven into the daily fabric of the community.
The building is now private residential space and viewable from the street, allowing visitors to observe the architectural details of the facade and gates from outside. Its location on New North Road is accessible and offers good sightlines for those interested in historic stonework and design.
The abbey received strong backing from Henry Phillpotts, Bishop of Exeter at the time, who championed the spiritual restoration of the Anglican Church. This episcopal support was crucial to gaining recognition and financial security for the ambitious convent project in the city.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
