 Bayham Abbey
Standing on the Kent and Sussex borders, this Premonstratensian monastery was
founded by Robert Thornham at the turn of the 12th century, and was
one of only two houses in England coming directly under the dependency
of Premontre (the mother-house in France). Constructed from the golden-coloured
local sandstone, Bayham Abbey displays a richness of decoration that
was unusual in Premonstratensian churches. The outstanding quality of
the carving is also something of a mystery in what was a relatively
modest foundation.
To provide access from both counties, there were originally two gatehouses
at Bayham Abbey. The Sussex gatehouse has disappeared without trace,
but the façade of the early 14th century Kentish gatehouse
was retained to present a 'romantic' feature in the grounds of the
later Old Abbey House. The church was extensively re-modelled within the
first 100 years of it being built, resulting in the construction of two new
transepts and a polygonal apse at the east end. An abundance of richly
carved stonework and ornate clustered columns are still very much in
evidence, along with many beautifully decorated corbels. Dominating
the east end today, stands a magnificent old beech tree clinging by
its tangle of knarled and knotted roots to the remains of the stone wall.
During the 15th century the original nave was replaced, and a long, narrow
nave was achieved by rebuilding the west end and north wall of the abbey church.
Although the south wall was retained, tall perpendicular windows were
inserted, supported by great buttresses that straddled the cloister walk.
Remarkably, three of these graceful arches remain standing to full height.
Before the end of the century a new sacristy had been erected, adjoining the
south transept. Little else remains in a recognisable state, apart
from sections of the vaulted chapter house, a wall of the undercroft beneath
the monks dorter), and fragments of the living accommodation.
When Bayham Abbey was suppressed in 1525, Henry VIII leased the estates to
various dignitaries but on the accession of Elizabeth I most of the
Sussex land was sold off. Subsequently, the estate passed through several
hands until it was purchased by Sir John Pratt in 1714. It was his grandson
that built the 'Gothic' villa in the 1750s, which was later extended
and refaced. It was during this time that the monastic site was landscaped
to give the effect of a 'romantic ruin', some parts of the old foundation
being deliberately buried to enhance the garden aspect.
Perhaps the most surprising aspect of Bayham Abbey today is the incredible peacefulness
of the site, situated as it is in one of the busiest areas of south-east
England. Maybe I am a little biased, as I lived for many years with
Bayham Abbey almost on my doorstep, but I can think of nothing more relaxing
on a warm day than to spend a few hours exploring this idyllic site.
Admire the fine detail of the medieval master craftsman, investigate
the different building styles, and ponder the lifestyle followed by
the canons who occupied this secluded valley some 800 years ago. |
