Cerne Abbey, Cerne Abbas
The Abbey House, now a private home. Entrance to the ruins is on the right.
Abbey Barn and part of the Abbey House.
The Abbot's Porch (1509).
The Abbot's Porch with double oriel window.
Interactive map of Cerne Abbey (center left marker).
For a larger view, see our Cerne Abbey Map or Google Earth download.
Cerne Abbey was founded in 937 AD and dominated the village of Cerne Abbas and the surrounding area until its dissolution in 1539.
History
The history of Cerne Abbey begins in 870, when St. Edwold refused the East Anglian crown and came to the Cerne River valley to live as a hermit instead. This is probably the reason Cerne was chosen as the site for a new monastic foundation in 987.
Cerne Abbey was founded as part of the monastic revival under King Edgar (957-975), who assigned his minister Aethelmaer to supervise it. The abbey grew and prospered over the centuries, becoming an important landowner in the area. The village of Cerne Abbas grew up around it, and most of the villagers worked for the abbey in some way or another.
What to See
Today, all that remains of Cerne Abbey are the Guesthouse, Abbey Barn, and Abbot's Porch, but these are well worth a visit.
The Guest House and Abbot's Porch are both on the grounds of the privately-owned and occupied Abbey House, which itself incorporates part of the abbey's South Gatehouse.
Especially interesting is the Abbot's Porch, which was a late addition in 1509. It features a fine double oriel window, carved with seals and small animal figures.
Quick Facts
| Names: | Cerne Abbey |
| Type of site: | Benedictine abbey |
| Status: | Ruined |
| Ownership: | Private owner |
| Dates: | 937-1539 |
| Location: | Cerne Abbas, Dorset, England |
| Phone: | No phone |
| Hours: | Gate open most reasonable hours, at the discretion of the owner |
| Cost: | £1 donation per person requested (coin box) |
Sources
- Personal visit (November 2006).
- Cerne Abbas - Strolling Guide
