Bayham Old Abbey
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Bayham Old Abbey is an English Heritage property, situated near Lamberhurst, Kent, England. Founded by the Premonstratensian monastries in the 13th century, Bayham remainied an Abbey until dissolution in the 15th Century. The ruins were partially modified in the 18th century, during landscaping of the Bayham Hall estate, and were donated to state in 1961.
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[edit] Location
Bayham Old Abbey lies within the valley of the River Teise. Premonstratensian monks preferred secluded areas for their monastries, and Bayham was an ideal location. The river provided a water supply, and also acted as a fast flowing tributary downstream, providing drainage. The Bayham site is on the Kent/Sussex border, and is a catchment area for both counties. To prevent county disputes, the Abbey was adopted by Prémontré Abbey.
[edit] The Abbey today
The Abbey ruins are currently maintained by the English Heritage. They largely consist of partial walls, thought the room layouts can still be seen, and there remains many examples of ornate columns and other carved stonework; including stone frameworks from the three giant windows comprisingt the nave. The quality of the work is typical of an abbey of this era.
The ruins of a gatehouse, known as the Kentish gate, is situated nearby on the grounds. No trace has been found of the corresponding Sussex gate which is presumed to have existed. Other buildings, normally associated with abbeys, such as stables and barns, still have to be located.
The ruins are said to be haunted by chanting white monk along with sounds of bells and the scent of incense .
[edit] Abbey history
Bayham abbey was built in the 13th century by Premonstratensian monks, and built from local sandstone. By the 15th century the original design had enlarged from new transcepts, though the original transcepts are still visible within the structure.
The abbey was amongst the first to be dissolved in 1538. Once Bayham was under the Kings control, it was leased to Anthony Browne, 1st Viscount Montagu until Queen Elizabeth I sold the estate. Following various changes in ownership, Bayham was finally sold to Sir John Pratt in 1714, and remained with that family until 1961, when it was donated to the English Heritage.
The Camden family, descended from the Pratts, built Dower house (otherwise known as Bayham Old Abbey House), on the estate as the old residence. The new grounds were landscaped by Humphry Repton, who included the old abbey within his plans. Some modifications were made to the abbey during this time.
In 1872, the Camden family moved to the other side of the Teise valley, into the newly built Bayham Abbey House. The abbey remains as a picturesque landscape feature, and has been used for family infant burials.
[edit] References
Rigold, S.E. (1974). Bayham Abbey (Guidebook), Revisions by J. Coad,, English Heritage. ISBN 1-85074-248-0.
