 Cleeve Abbey
Set deep in the beautiful Washford Valley on the borders of Somerset and
Devon lie the substantial remains of Vallis Florida, a 13th
century Cistercian monastery. More familiarly known as Cleeve Abbey,
the monastery was founded by the Earl of Lincoln's grandson in 1198,
and colonised with monks from the Cistercian house that his grandfather
had founded in Revesby over half a century earlier.
Cleeve Abbey never ranked as one of the great Cistercian houses and, even during the short period
it prospered, only 28 monks lived at the monastery. During the 14th
century Cleeve Abbey suffered badly from financial instability which, in
turn, resulted in little additional building work, staffing problems,
and a general lack of discipline amongst the Order. In the 15th
century, when Abbot David Juyner was first appointed to Cleeve Abbey,
the situation began to improve, and throughout his long rule much new
building was undertaken. His successors, the most noted of whom was Abbot
Dovell, continued this trend until Cleeve Abbey was eventually surrendered to the Crown in 1536.
Today the original abbey church is represented by little more than a ground plan marked out in
stone, and a section of the southern wall adjoined to the claustral
buildings. One of the most important architectural features to have
survived at Cleeve Abbey is the Sacristy, containing some remarkably
decorative 13th century wall painting, and a mosaic tiled
floor created from fragments excavated during the late 19th
century. The rectangular rib-vaulted Chapter House shows few signs of
its original painted splendour but a close inspection will reveal some
red colour detail on the ribs and in the window tracery. Probably the
most amazing 13th century survival at Cleeve Abbey is the monks'
dorter (dormitory) which, although divided into individual cubicles
at some point, has been restored back to one large room, originally
lit only by a series of small lancet windows. As a rare example of completeness,
this medieval dormitory provides a fascinating insight into the lifestyle
enjoyed by these early Cistercian monks.
When Abbot Juyner reconstructed the refectory (dining room) in the 15th century some of the
earlier structure was incorporated into the high quality workmanship
of the later period, but most was lost or buried. The crowning glory
of the new refectory was the outstanding wagon-style timber roof embellished
with deeply carved bosses and angels, and the sheer workmanship involved
can still be appreciated today. From the same period a small upper chamber
displays a fabulous wall painting covering one entire wall.
Again, during the 19th century excavations, a large section of the original tiled floor to the
13th century refectory was unearthed in excellent condition.
Now fully exposed, the tiled pavement represents a magnificent arrangement
of heraldic tiles that show the exacting skills of the craftsmen of the
day. Following the Dissolution, Cleeve Abbey was converted for use as a grand house and some
17th century alterations are noticeable in the claustral buildings
and the refectory. Subsequently it was utilised as a working farm for
some 300 years, with much of the refectory range providing stabling and storage.
From the moment we entered the courtyard of Cleeve Abbey, and walked through the gatehouse passage
into the inner court, we knew we were in for a special treat. The tranquillity
of the location, the little mill stream running through the court, and
the picturesque remains of the monastic buildings provide all the necessary
triggers needed to enjoy the timeless beauty of this evocative site in the West Country. |
