George Luttrell, of Dunster Castle, purchased the site in 1868 and set about preserving the Cistercian remains. Within a few years, the abbey buildings and 13 acres (5.3ha) of surrounding land were removed from the farm tenancy and tickets were sold to view it. Mackenzie Walcott, precentor of Chichester Cathedral removed 'walls, fools, mounds, farm roads and masses of filth gradually uncovering the church foundations. In 1876 he revealed the tiled pavement of the 13th-century refectory. The farmhouse remained occupied, and was divided into two cottages, in one of which lived the custodian.
The Crown acquired Cleeve Abbey in 1950, and ever since it has been looked after by the State. Today, the abbey is the responsibility of English Heritage.
Vallis Florida, a hidden jewel of Somerset - In 1198 the Abbey of Cleeve was founded, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and originally named Vallis Florida or Vale of Flowers.
Since then the Black Death, the dissolution of the monasteries, destruction of the Abbey Church and use as a farmhouse, have all played a part in the 800 year history of Cleeve Abbey. Today, it survives as a haven of peace and tranquillity, one of the undiscovered jewels of Somerset boasting magnificent architecture and hidden treasures.
Some of the finest cloister buildings in England can be seen including the magnificent 15th century timber roof in the refectory with its exquisite carved angels, the unique medieval wall paintings of the Painted Chamber and the heraldic tile pavements. One of the greatest pleasures however is to explore the numerous nooks and crannies, which reveal hidden carvings and paintings, from the hands of craftsmen long ago.
Cleeve Abbey
Telephone: +44 (0) 1984 640377
www.english-heritage.org.uk/server/show/conProperty.249
Located in Washford, quarter mile south of A39. Open, daily April to October from 10am. 10 minutes walk from the West Somerset Railway, Washford Station.
One of the few 13th-century monastic
sites where you can still see such a complete set of cloister buildings.
Cleeve Abbey is the most complete cloister in England.
Founded in 1198, the abbey of Cleeve was originally named
'Vallis Florida' or Vale of Flowers-many wild flowers are to be seen
there still.
Cleeve Abbey
The Black Death, the destruction of the abbey church and
use as a farmhouse have all played a part in the history of Cleeve Abbey.
Today it survives as a haven of peace and tranquillity, a jewel of Somerset's
past.
Marvel at the unique medieval wall paintings, the magnificent
timber roof in the refectory with its exquisite carved angels and the
heraldic tile pavements which adorn the finest cloister buildings in
all England.
Cleeve Abbey Washford
Explore the many fascinating chambers on two storeys,
providing a vivid glimpse of medieval monastic life 800 years ago.
Cleeve Abbey, the ruins of a Cistercian
monastery, ½ m.
S. from Washford Station (G.W.R. branch to Minehead). Leave the station
by the Taunton road, and take first turning to R. It is only recently
that these interesting remains have been rescued from the farmer and
made accessible to the public. The abbey was founded in 1188. With the
proverbial monkish eye for a fine situation and a trout stream, its builders
set it in a fertile valley, to which old chroniclers gave the name of
the Flowery Vale. Contrary to the usual fate of such ruins, the domestic
portions of the monastery have survived; the church has gone. Entrance
is gained through a gatehouse standing well apart from the main block
of buildings. It is generally believed to have been a kind of combined
guest-house and porter's lodge, where the casual visitor found temporary
entertainment. Over its hospitable doorway is graven the salutation "Patens
porta esto, nulli claudaris honesto" (This gate shall ever
open be To all who enter honestly). The floor which divided the upper
chamber from the passage below has disappeared. Note on the front face
(1) Perp. window; (2) empty niche; (3) niched figure of Virgin and Child;
and on the back (1) name of the last abbot, Dovell; (2) crucifix flanked
by two empty niches. Crossing a rough field, the visitor enters the monastery
proper by a doorway pierced in the cloister wall. (Admission 1s. for
one, 6d. for each additional person.) The entrance opens at once into
the quadrangle.
Cleeve Abbey Washford
Immediately on the L. are the W. cloisters (Perp.), once
surmounted by the sleeping apartments of the lay brothers. Opposite on
the E., and easily distinguishable by its E.E. lancet windows, is the
large dormitory which occupies the whole length of the upper storey of
the E. side of the quadrangle. The chambers beneath this on the ground
floor should be carefully inspected. In succession, from L. to R., are
(1) sacristy, lighted by a broken rose window and containing a painted
piscina and aumbry; (2) treasury; (3) chapter-house, partly vaulted and
entered from the quadrangle by a beautiful E.E. doorway; (4) library
and staircase to dormitory; (5) a passage; (6) entrance to monastic common
room. This last was a kind of parlour running under the S. end of the
dormitory and divided from it by a vaulted ceiling of which only the
supporting piers now remain. On the R., or S. side, of the quadrangle
is the refectory, the most striking feature of the whole group of buildings.
It is a beautiful room, finely proportioned, and well lighted by some
lofty Perp. windows. It still retains its original roof and some faded
wall paintings. Note the stairs for reader's pulpit, and contrast outer
doorway of entrance staircase with doorway of dormitory. The basement
below is taken up by various offices of E.E. date, and the rest of the
block consists of the buttery, abbot's lodgings, and kitchens. The "lie" of
the refectory (parallel with the church) is unusual for a Cistercian
house, but it is the exception which proves the rule, for in the garden
outside, standing in the orthodox position at right angles to the present
structure, is the tiled floor of the original building. The church stood
on the N. side of the quadrangle and was divided from the cloister garth
by a blank wall in which will be noticed a recess. It has now entirely
disappeared, but the site may be inspected by passing through an opening
at the N.E. corner of the quadrangle. The foundations are traceable,
and a few fragments of the tiled pavement and the bases of the piers
are still visible. A stone cross in the turf marks the site of the high
altar.
Cleeve Abbey
Cleeve Abbey
Cleeve Abbey - tiled floor
Cleeve Abbey
THE MONASTIC ORDERS
The religious orders of men who lived a communal life were of three types.
Monks, who lived a life of seclusion within the monastery, spending their days in the celebration of daily Masses and services, in meditation and labour. The principal orders are Benedictines, Cluniacs, Cistercians and Carthusians.
Canons Regular were priests who lived together in a monastery but took some part in the religious life of the outside world. The principal orders are Augustinians and Premonstratensians.
The monasteries of each of the orders, except the Carthusians, followed much the same plan, with the church and its cloistered courtyard as the central feature, grouped around by the domestic and other buildings. The Carthusians lived a much more hermit-like life, each monk having his own cell, wherein he lived and slept. His days were spent in prayer and meditation and tending his own small garden adjoining the cell.
Friars, whose mission was to minister to the masses, particularly the poor and needy. They travelled about the countryside preaching and teaching the Gospel and tending to the physical needs of all people. Their buildings were usually in large towns. The principal orders are Carmelites (White Friars), Dominicans (Black Friars) and Franciscans (Grey Friars).
MONASTIC BUILDINGS
Almonry. The Almoner's apartment. Among his many duties was the
distribution of alms to the needy and sustenance to passing wayfarers.
Carrel. A recess or tiny cell in the cloisters wherein to read and study. Chapter House. The council chamber in which the abbot, prior and
others met for the transaction of business. Often next in architectural
importance to the church.
Cloister. A covered walk round a quadrangle, with windows or colonnade
on the inner sides. Here the monks took exercise and spent such free
time as they had.
Dorter or Dormitory. The sleeping apartment, originally one room with pallet beds against the walls ; later partitions gave a degree of privacy.
Frater or Refectory. The dining-hall, usually on the side of the cloister farthest from the nave of the church. During meals, which were taken in silence, readings were given by a monk, who occupied the refectory pulpit.
Garth. The square, generally greensward, enclosed by the cloister. Lavabo or Lavatory. The apartment for the washing of hands and face,
with a long stone trough. Night Stairs. A stairway direct from the Dorter to the church, used by
those participating in the night offices.
Slype. A narrow covered passage leading from the cloister to the monks'
cemetery.
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