Selsey Abbey, Medieval abbey in Selsey, England
Selsey Abbey is a medieval monastery located near Church Norton, north of the town center, with stone foundations still visible today. The site sits in an area shaped by coastal erosion, which has caused portions of the original structures to sink into the sea over the centuries.
Saint Wilfrid founded the abbey in 681 on land granted by King Æðelwealh of Sussex, making it the center of Christian conversion in southern England. In 1075, the Council of London ordered the bishop's seat to move to Chichester, which ended its role as a religious center.
The abbey served as the bishop's seat for Sussex and was central to spreading Christianity across the region. Visitors can still sense how important this location was for the religious development of southern England.
The exact location of the abbey remains hard to pinpoint, so visiting Church Norton where the visible stone remains are concentrated is recommended. Visitors should prepare for uneven ground and shifting terrain, as coastal erosion has significantly altered the archaeology over time.
According to historical records, monks at the abbey fasted for three days during a plague outbreak in 681 and reported miraculous healings among local people. This event was documented in early medieval accounts and shows how deeply the monastery was woven into community life.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
