The history of Croxden Abbey may be fairly uneventful but it remains a magnificent symbol of the history of Britain. It signifies a time when architecture reflected a grandeur that is sadly missing from many of today's buildings.

The abbey itself was founded in 1179 by monks from a Cistercian house in Normandy. Following a later, less austere Cistercian architectural plan. Although it was considered to be relatively compact compared to other monasteries, Croxden Abbey did incorporate some elements of architectural design which were more elegant and sumptuous.

The Monks who lived at the Abbey were expert sheep breeders and brought in an income from the wool they produced. Life at the Abbey went on peacefully for 350 years, seeing little change apart from the movement of buildings to suit changing needs.

The Dissolution* in 1538 saw the monastic community sign a deed of surrender which effectively brought their tenure at Croxden Abbey to an end. Without the Monks to look after the property, the building fell into disrepair and eventually ruin.

Today, the surviving ruins are bisected by road and a private property which lies in the grounds of the Abbey. When you walk around this quiet, tranquil place it's hard to believe that the Alton Tower theme park is only a few miles away.

For more information and admission details and times, visit the English Heritage web site by clicking here

* The Dissolution refers to one of the great events of the sixteenth century which saw Henry VIII initiating the destruction of England's monasteries and taking their wealth. This was all brought about due to Henry's breach with Rome. Sadly for the monasteries, the monks who inhabited them were seen as 'the great standing army of Rome' which effectively sealed their fate as Henry didn't want such a potentially powerful group affecting the country's politics.

Take a look around the abbey...

We visited Croxden Abbey near Alton in Staffordshire and these are the 360° panoramic pictures we took:

View of Croxden Abbey (1)

View of Croxden Abbey (2)

View of Croxden Abbey (3)

View of Croxden Abbey (4)

View of Croxden Abbey (5)

View of Croxden Abbey (6)

View of Croxden Abbey (7)

View of Croxden Abbey (8)

View of Croxden Abbey (9)

All photographs were taken with the kind permission of English Heritage
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