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Rufford Abbey is a Cistercian monastery in Nottinghamshire established in the mid-twelfth century by the Sherwood family, which became one of the region's significant religious houses until its dissolution in 1536. The scheduled ancient monument comprises the monastic precinct with surviving stone structures including the gatehouse and portions of the cloister, positioned strategically to exploit the site's water resources for the monks' domestic and industrial needs. Archaeological and landscape evidence preserves the complex system of channels, ponds and water-management features characteristic of Cistercian engineering, whilst the surrounding field systems reflect both the pre-monastic open-field organisation that preceded the monastery and the subsequent agricultural adaptation of the estate following the Dissolution. A post-medieval hall was constructed on the abbey lands during the sixteenth century, incorporating elements of the monastic fabric and demonstrating the transition from religious to domestic occupation that typified many dissolved monasteries in this period.
Rufford Abbey Cistercian monastery: monastic precinct, water-management works, pre-monastic open-field system and post-medieval building is a scheduled monument protected by Historic England under reference 1011013. View the official record →
Rufford Abbey is a Cistercian monastery in Nottinghamshire established in the mid-twelfth century by the Sherwood family, which became one of the region's significant religious houses until its dissolution in 1536. It is designated a Scheduled Ancient Monument by Historic England (NHLE) under reference 1011013.
Rufford Abbey Cistercian monastery: monastic precinct, water-management works, pre-monastic open-field system and post-medieval building 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 1011013.
Several scheduled monuments lie within 10 km, including Earthwork to E of village (3 km), Jordan Castle: ringwork, possible enclosures, pond and ridge and furrow (3.8 km), King John's Palace (4.1 km).
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Research the area around Rufford Abbey Cistercian monastery: monastic precinct, water-management works, pre-monastic open-field system and post-medieval building