Scheduled MonumentsEnglandDunkeswell Abbey

Dunkeswell Abbey

England
List entry 1009303
Nation
England
Boundary

Scheduled area

© Mapbox · © OpenStreetMap contributors · Boundary data © Historic England (NHLE)

Overview

History & significance

Dunkeswell Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery located in Devon, founded in the mid-twelfth century as a daughter house of Furness Abbey in Lancashire. The abbey was established around 1201 and remained an active religious community until its dissolution under Henry VIII in 1536. The surviving remains include fragmentary stone structures and earthworks indicative of the abbey's medieval layout, though the site has been substantially reduced by later agricultural use and development. Dunkeswell exemplifies the characteristic Cistercian emphasis on remote rural settlement and represents an important phase of monastic expansion in the Southwest of England during the High Middle Ages.

Dunkeswell Abbey is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1009303. View the official record →

About this monument

Questions & answers

What is Dunkeswell Abbey?

Dunkeswell Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery located in Devon, founded in the mid-twelfth century as a daughter house of Furness Abbey in Lancashire. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1009303.

Who is responsible for protecting Dunkeswell Abbey?

Dunkeswell Abbey is a Scheduled Ancient Monument, legally protected by Historic England (NHLE) — the body responsible for designating and safeguarding heritage sites in England. The official designation reference is 1009303.

What other scheduled monuments are near Dunkeswell Abbey?

Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Hemyock Castle (2.7 km), Row Barrow (5.2 km), Bowl barrow on Hartridge, 360m east of Shelves Farm (6.2 km).

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