Cerne Abbey

Cerne Abbey was founded in 937 AD and dominated the village of Cerne Abbas and the surrounding area until its dissolution in 1539.

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.

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.