The Abbey, Coggeshall, Essex

The Abbey was founded in 1142 on land given by Stephen and Matilda. The recently restored Abbot’s stew pond was a feature when Edward II held court here in 1325; in 1293 the local vicar was gaoled for illegal fishing. The tour includes the abbot’s house and chapel, guest house, cloister, riverside courtyard with knot garden and hall of the manor house.

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The Abbey has early and exceptionally fine medieval brickwork. Recently shortlisted by the HHA and Sotheby's Restoration Award 2014.

Tour features

Tour includes abbot's house, chapel, cloister, guest house and riverside courtyard.

Directions

From the A120 travelling from Braintree: turn right into West Street, Coggeshall (follow National Trust sign for Grange Barn), then turn right into Bridge Street (B1024) towards Coggeshall Hamlet and Kelvedon. Turn left into Abbey Lane opposite Grange Barn. The Abbey is at the end of the lane.

From the A120 travelling from Marks Tey: turn left off the bypass into East Street, Coggeshall (follow National Trust sign for Grange Barn), then turn left into Bridge Street (B1024) towards Coggeshall Hamlet and Kelvedon. Turn left into Abbey Lane opposite Grange Barn. The Abbey is at the end of the lane. From the A12: turn off onto the B1024 to Kelvedon. Take the B1024 to Coggeshall (follow National Trust sign for Grange Barn), then turn right into Abbey Lane opposite Grange Barn after Coggeshall Hamlet. The Abbey is at the end of the lane.

Location map