The Rise and Fall of Waverley Abbey
Waverley Lane, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 8EP
The walk from the car park passes in front of Waverley Abbey House and continues about 400 yards to the site of Waverley Abbey which was the first Cistercian monastery to be founded in this country, by thirteen monks from the Abbey of Aumône in France, in 1128. The Cistercians were a very austere monastic order whose life consisted of work and prayer. They grew their own food and had extensive lands which were used largely for raising sheep.
The tour will show the remains of the thirteenth-century Abbey Church, the Chapter House, the monks’ Dormitory and the undercroft of the lay brothers’ Refectory. The Abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1535, and much of the stonework was sold and used in local grand houses such as Loseley House near Guildford.
The ruins are in the care of English Heritage and are open to the public.
Timings & Tours
- Sunday 15 September:
- 1000 & 1130
Location & directions
Waverley Lane, Farnham, Surrey, GU9 8EP
- Contact on day:
- Simon Bradbury
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
The tour will be undertaken at an easy pace but some of the ground is rough pasture, not suitable for wheelchairs. Good footwear is required and the total distance walked is 1 km and will take approximately 90 minutes.
Additional information
- Est. tour duration:
- 1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)
