Listed Building record MDO4609 - Shaftesbury Abbey (Abbey Church of St Mary and St Edward), Shaftesbury

Adjacent to Park Wall were the foundations of the greater part of the 11th-15th century Abbey Church; which have been excavated. Many remains discovered, including bones thought to be those of King Edward the Martyr, to whom the Abbey was dedicated. The Abbey was a Benedictine Nunnery, founded by Alfred in 888, his daughter being the 1st Abbess. The record for this monument has been enhanced with support from Wessex Water.

ST 861229. The site of the Abbey Church of St. Mary and St. Edward, Shaftesbury was excavated in 1816, 1861, 1902-5, 1930-32 and 1955, revealing the remains of a late 11th/early 12th century cruciform structure; the eastern arm of three bays had a central apse and was flanked by chapels with smaller apses. Early in the 14th century a chapel with crypt beneath, was built in the angle between the north chapel and north transept with entrance to the crypt by a canted flight of stairs. A leaden casket was unearthed in 1931 at the chapel and contained the fractured remains of a young man, plansibly identified as the relics of St. Edward. A large chapel, probably a Lady Chapel was also added in the 14th century on the southside of the eastern arm, replacing the 11th century south chapel (see plan for details). Heavy foundations uncovered at the western extremity of the excavated area perhaps correspond with the twin western towers indicated on the 13th century abbey seal. Of the pre-conquest church (circa 888 AD or earlier - see ST 82 SE 4) no remains have been identified although carved stones preserved on the site include some that can be dated to the 10th or early 11th century. A few architectural fragments imply that the church was stone built but they provide no information as to its form. <1-2> Two fragments of 8th-9th century Saxon work have been found during excavations, and 5 fragments of 10th-11th century work. <10>

Record last edited

Dec 14 2023 5:10PM