Robertsbridge Abbey

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Robertsbridge Priory
Robertsbridge abbey (rems of).jpg
Remnants of the Abbot’s House
Monastery information
Full nameThe Cistercian Abbey of St Mary, Robertsbridge
Other namesRobert's Bridge Abbey
Pontrobert Abbey
Order Order of Cistercians
Established29 March 1176 at Salehurst
Transferred to Robertsbridge c.1250
Disestablished16 April 1538
Mother house Boxley Abbey
Architecture
Heritage designation Scheduled ancient monument, grade I listed building
Designated date3 August 1961
Site
Location Robertsbridge, East Sussex, Flag of England.svg  England
CountryFlag of the United Kingdom.svg  United Kingdom
Coordinates 50°59′26″N0°29′27″E / 50.990587°N 0.490791°E / 50.990587; 0.490791 (Robertsbridge Abbey)
Official nameRobertsbridge Abbey
Designated1 May 1951
Reference no.1002295
Listed Building – Grade I
Official nameThe Abbey
Designated3 August 1961
Reference no.1221354
Listed Building – Grade II*
Official nameAbbey Ruins
Designated3 August 1961
Reference no.1274121

Robertsbridge Abbey was a Cistercian abbey in Robertsbridge, East Sussex, England. It was founded in 1176 by Alured and Alicia de St Martin.

Contents

Due to its position, the Abbey lands suffered continually from the effects of the sea, and it was never rich or prominent. The abbey was eventually forcibly surrendered in 1538 by the Abbot Thomas Taylor, and dissolved as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. There were then eight monks. The property afterwards passed to Sir William Sydney. [1]

The main surviving part of the Abbey is the Abbot's house, built circa 1250, formerly a farmhouse but now part of a private residence. The building is mainly of stone rubble with some red brick and brick buttresses at the back, weather-boarded at the gable end with a steeply-pitched tiled roof. Beneath the building is a crypt. The house is a grade I listed building. [2]

In the garden of the house are the ruins of a rectangular building of stone rubble which was part of the Frater which are separately grade II* listed. [3]

See also

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References

  1. "A History of the County of Sussex: Volume 2". British History Online. Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  2. Historic England. "THE ABBEY (1221354)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 27 July 2014.
  3. Historic England. "ABBEY RUINS (1274121)". National Heritage List for England . Retrieved 16 November 2014.