Dore Abbey

Dore Abbey is a former Cistercian monastery in Abbey Dore, England, combining Norman and Gothic architectural styles with a presbytery, two chapels, two transepts, and a crossing tower. The structure displays the typical layout of a medieval religious community with its distinct spatial areas.

The monastery was founded in 1147 by Robert fitzHarold of Ewyas and became an economic center through wool trading in the 13th century. This commercial success made it a wealthy religious institution.

The churchyard holds medieval stone effigies and graves of people important to the local area, including a World War I soldier. These carved memorials show how the place served as a burial ground for generations of community members.

The building functions as a parish church dedicated to the Holy Trinity and Saint Mary and welcomes visitors daily during daylight hours. Plan your visit in advance as the location is rural and seasonal daylight affects opening times.

The building houses a colony of around 180 bats that emerge through a dedicated exit at dusk after checking light levels. These nocturnal inhabitants share the space with visitors and display a remarkable behavioral pattern.