Pictures of Crowland Abbey

a Abbey in the town of Crowland, in the county of Lincolnshire

About Crowland Abbey

Crowland Abbey was founded in 716 by King Ethelbald, in memory of St.Guthlac who had built a cell on the Fen island. It has a tumultuous early history being burnt down by the Danes in 930, burned again in 1190, rebuilt in 1114 only to be shaken by an earthquake in 1117. It was partly burnt again in 1146, was subjected to rebuilding, completed in 1190 and was remodelled in 1281.

Later building work included the addition of a tower in 1427, but in just over a hundred years came the Dissolution of the Monasteries when the abbey was once more partially destroyed. Following this period, the 15th century north aisle which accounted for around a third of the church, was restored for use as the parish church.

The relics of St. Guthlac were taken to the abbey in 1195. His cell lies at the west end of the south aisle, this was excavated in 1908, but was filled in again.

Crowland Abbey is noted for its magnificent sculptured west front which dates from the 13th century and is now conserved. Interestingly the abbey is believed to be the burial place of Hereward the Wake.

This is a lovely place to visit, it has many exceptional features including beautiful stained glass, superb roof bosses and the skull of the 9th century Abbot, St. Theodore.

The abbey can be found in a beautiful spot amidst the marshes of the Fenlands of East England, it is conserved as of historical importance, with much credit for its continued endurance going to the local Fenlanders who for centuries have given praise to the Lord in this wonderful house of God.

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Nearby travel help

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A1(M) Junction 17	(11.4 miles, 18.3 km, direction SW)
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Cambridge Airport	(35.4 miles, 56.9 km, direction SE)
East Midlands Airport	(50.2 miles, 80.7 km, direction W)
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