View from the “High Altar” (right) and across the road that runs through the tiny village of Croxden to the towering remains of the Abbey’s church (Author’s Collection).
My afternoon visit to the remains of this 12th Century Cistercian Abbey was a chance taken purely on the enchanting images of the huge towers that remain of the centuries old Church Abbey (see the English Heritage link at the bottom of this opening meandering paragraph) and I’m thoroughly pleased I took that travelling “chance”.
The Abbey itself is split by the only road that runs through this tiny rural village and thinking I was all alone I began to drink in the magnificence of these scattered ruins and thanking my lucky stars I had indeed taken that silly chance. Otherwise, an elderly lady walking her two dogs wouldn’t have asked me this question, and a question I’ve been asked now three times recently, and on three separate occasions and at three highly distinctive and historic landmarks throughout central England:
“Why do you have such a magnificent tattoo of Salvador Dali on your leg?”
Thinking I was alone I was rather startled at first, but I soon relaxed as I swooned over the lady’s two dogs before rattling off my usual “He’s my artistic hero. He lived his life, his legend, his own brand and in his own way” as well as my usual ramble about his twisted thinking inspiring some of mine over the years.
“Are you an artist yourself?” she enquired. My answer of wishing to be so was as faintly ridiculous as a 50 year old man wearing a Radiohead t-shirt, and I could see me silly answer had resulted in the blood draining from her friendly face.
“Radiohead and Salvador Dali” I said, “the perfect combination for the introspective wanna be artist”.
I pointed in the direction of the far corner of the ruins and simply said “Be still my beating heart” and we both laughed and I did exactly as the kindly old lady advised, and enjoyed the peace and tranquillity amongst these strange relics from centuries ago.
Here is the magnificent Croxden Abbey and I hope you enjoy the virtual tour and any colour commentary added to the following 35+ images. Please note that any quotes are taken directly and strictly from the well maintained information boards scattered throughout the site of the ruins.
*All images captured by me on Friday 19th August 2022*
Welcome to Croxden Abbey and effectively the site of the original “Passage” in the centre of the entire site of the ruins.
After crossing the only road that runs through this tiny rural village you approach the singular remains of the “High Altar” and as per the brilliantly maintained information boards — “Several stone coffins can still be seen near the High Altar. They are the tombs of the founding family and other benefactors. In the 14th century, Abbots preferred this part of the church for burial rather than the Chapter House”.
The “High Altar” and remaining stone coffins of Croxden Abbey.
The “High Altar” and associated Abbey ruins — Part 1.
The “High Altar” and associated Abbey ruins — Part 2.
The Infirmary: “These are the remains of a hall which formed part of the infirmary, where old, sick and the convalescing monks could be cared for. As was typical in monasteries, the infirmary lies on the east side of the Cloister and had its own chapel, kitchen, refectory and cloister”.
View from the grounds of the infirmary towards the “Abbot’s New Lodging” — Part 1.
View from the grounds of the infirmary towards the “Abbot’s New Lodging” — Part 2.
Abbot’s New Lodging — “The Abbot was the leader of the monks and the Lord of the Manor. Important guests would have been entertained within these lodgings, which were very similar to a secular lord’s house, with a screens passage and hall, and a chamber above”.
View from the Abbot’s New Lodging back across the infirmary and (from the site plan) what I believe to be the remains of the chapel next to the infirmary.
I find the juxtapositions between ruins such as these and a mother nature turning and changing around her.
As we approach the towering remains of the church, various areas remain including the latrines, “Warming House”, “Chapter House”, the “Cloister”, “South Range” and parts of the “West Range” next to the church itself — Part 1.
As we approach the towering remains of the church, various areas remain including the latrines, “Warming House”, “Chapter House”, the “Cloister”, “South Range” and parts of the “West Range” next to the church itself — Part 2.
As we approach the towering remains of the church, various areas remain including the latrines, “Warming House”, “Chapter House”, the “Cloister”, “South Range” and parts of the “West Range” next to the church itself — Part 3.
Chapter House — “An important space, this room was decorated with carved capitals, fine windows and a tiled floor. The monks met here every day to discuss business, administer discipline and hear a chapter of the rule of Saint Benedict. Many early Abbots were buried here”.
“Chapter House” and the adjoining ruins to the church — Part 1.
“Chapter House” and the adjoining ruins to the church — Part 2.
“Chapter House” and the adjoining ruins to the church — Part 3.
The towering remains of the church reaching into a beautiful blue sky — Part 1.
The towering remains of the church reaching into a beautiful blue sky — Part 2.
Book Room and Sacristy — “This room was originally split into two by a solid wall. This bay contained the book room, where volumes where stored horizontally in wooden cupboards. The Sacristy, at the other end, housed liturgical vestments and vessels, it would also have its own altar”.
The South Range — “This range originally housed (from left to right) the stairs to the dormitory, the warming house, the refectory and the kitchen. These rooms were subject to many alterations, including the shortening of the refectory and the insertion of later fireplaces and windows”.
A wider view of the “South Range” and adjoining church ruins — Part 1.
A wider view of the “South Range” and adjoining church ruins — Part 2.
A wider view of the “South Range” and adjoining church ruins — Part 3.
Cloister — “The cloister was at the centre of monastic life. Monks would have studied at desks, or carrels, in the covered walkways. The grand processional door to your left provided access to the church”.
A final look back and across the central remains of the ruins.
The Abbey Church — “Both austere and imposing, Croxden Abbey Church was once a fine example of Cistercian architecture”.
The Nave Wall here on the left is the earliest remaining structure of the original Abbey and has been dated to around the year 1179! On the right is the titled “West Front” of the Abbey ruins.
The “West Front” of the Abbey ruins at Croxden, gleaming in the afternoon sunshine.
The “West Front” church remains of Croxden Abbey — Part 1.
The “West Front” church remains of Croxden Abbey — Part 2.
A road side views of the entirety of the ruins at Croxden Abbey.
(1) One of two “moody” reminders of a magnificent time capsule of the past against a quintessential English Summer sky of today.
(1) One of two “moody” reminders of a magnificent time capsule of the past against a quintessential English Summer sky of today.
(1) Two final views from the “High Altar” across the vast majority of the remaining ruins at Croxden Abbey.
(2) Two final views from the “High Altar” across the vast majority of the remaining ruins at Croxden Abbey.
Your humble narrator, larking around inside the ruins of Lilleshall Abbey, early August 2022 (Author’s Collection).
Thanks for reading. My “Summer Project” has taken me to the waterways and many historical castle ruins as I’ve crisscrossed the border between England and Wales and my three most recently published travel articles are linked below:
