Shaftesbury Abbey Gardens

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Here are a few photos taken on my shift yesterday. I volunteer as a guide in the Abbey once a week. It’s a lovely way to meet people and contribute to the community of our lovely town.

Shaftesbury Abbey was founded by King Alfred (The Great), Saxon King of Wessex in 888AD. His daughter Aethelgifu was the first Abbess. She had been dedicated to God at birth and brought up by Nuns. Shaftesbury is one of two Abbeys founded by Alfred, and the first female only Abbey in England. It continued, in the Benedictine order for about 600 years as a female only Abbey and was famed for its medicine. King Cnut (The Viking) died here, and the body of King Edward The Martyr was interred here for many hundreds of years as well. Originally dedicated to St Mary the Virgin, it was re dedicated to St Edward when he was brought here after being murdered near the site of Corfe Castle. Henry VIII ordered the abbey to be closed, and in 1539 the remaining Nuns were given a pension and removed from the Abbey.

There’s a lot more I could tell you, but for now, here are a few photos. As you can see, there isn’t much left of the magnificent Norman Abbey.

The grounds are consecrated, a true Church without walls. People visit us on pilgrimage as well as for historical interest and simply to enjoy the peace and tranquility of the place.

It’s free to visit the Abbey which is run by Volunteers and is open 7 days a week across the summer. We also have a great gift shop and Museum.

• 10 May, 2025
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