Address
Abbey Lane
Coggeshall
CO6 1RE
United KingdomTelephone: +44(1376)561234
Websites
- Official Homepage
- Hotels nearby
Description
Coggeshall Abbey & St Nicholas' Chapel was founded in 1140 by King Stephen and Queen Matilda and first served the Savigny Order. In 1147 this order wa
[more]Coggeshall Abbey & St Nicholas' Chapel was founded in 1140 by King Stephen and Queen Matilda and first served the Savigny Order. In 1147 this order was absorbed by the Cistercian Order who worshiped here and farmed the surrounding land - which brought the wool-trade to the village.
While the town prospered the abbey was rather poor and by the time of the Dissolution of the monasteries under Henry VIII. it was heavily in debt and sold off. The church of the abbey was demolished and a farmhouse, which still stands on the exact spot, was built instead, little of the original structure still exists.
The only remaining intact building of Coggeshall Abbey is its gatehouse chapel which dates back to 1220. The rectangular Cistercian chapel has been built with the earliest post-Roman brick in the country. Following the Dissolution the chapel served as a barn and cowshed and fell into disrepair until it was restored in the late 19th century.
St Nicholas chapel, as it is known today, and the 16th century farmhouse are both located at the south end of Coggeshall, directly at the Essex Way long distance footpath.
The chapel is part of St Peter Parish who holds a service at the chapel once a month. The chapel is normally closed but if you would like to see it from the inside you can ring the given number and make an appointment with the vicar.
Please note that the farmhouse is a private residence and not open to the public.
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