Bury St Edmunds Abbey
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Overview
Located at the eastern end of the town centre, these extensive ruins are the remains of a Benedictine monastery that once ruled most of West Suffolk. In AD 903 the Saxon church here acquired the remains of King Edmund, killed by the Danes some 40 years previously. They became the focus for pilgrimage and royal patronage, and the monastery, founded in 1020, grew to become one of the wealthiest in Europe. Most was lost at the Dissolution, but the massive Great Gate, rebuilt in 1327 after destruction in a town riot, is a reminder of its former splendour, and you can trace rubble walls of the once vast abbey church. Two medieval churches survive within the complex – St Edmundsbury Cathedral and St Mary’s Church.
Features
- Opening Times
- Open all year
- Opening Times: Open all year daily, Apr-Oct, Mon-Sat 7.30am-8pm, Sun 9-8; Nov-Feb, Mon-Sat 7.30-4.30, Sun 9-4.30; Mar, Mon-Sat 7.30-6, Sun 9-6 Check website for details
- Facilities
- Parking nearby
About the area
Suffolk is Constable country, where the county’s crumbling, time-ravaged coastline spreads itself under wide skies to convey a wonderful sense of remoteness and solitude. Highly evocative and atmospheric, this is where rivers wind lazily to the sea and notorious 18th-century smugglers hid from the excise men.
Places to eat nearby View all
Nearby places to stay
View all (8)
Nearby places to stay
The Angel Hotel
The Angel Hotel is an impressive building situated just a short walk from the town centre. One of the hotel's more notable guests over the last 400 years was Charles Dickens, who is rep...
The Chantry
The Chantry is an attractive Georgian property, just a short walk from the town centre. The individually decorated bedrooms are furnished with well-chosen pieces and have many extra tho...
The Abbey
The Abbey is well placed for visiting the historic town centre. The property is split between several old buildings, the main core dating from the 15th century. The public rooms in the ...
Best Western Priory Hotel
Priory Hotel is an 18th-century, Grade II listed building set in landscaped grounds on the outskirts of town. The attractively decorated, tastefully furnished and thoughtfully equipped ...
Quays Lodge
WELCOME TO QUAYS LODGE, a two bedroom luxury holiday lodge in Suffolk.
Quays Lodge is situated in the village of Risby, Suffolk, which is just a five minute drive from Bury St Edmunds ...
Quays Lodge
WELCOME TO QUAYS LODGE, a two bedroom luxury holiday lodge in Suffolk.
Quays Lodge is situated in the village of Risby, Suffolk, which is just a five minute drive from Bury St Edmunds ...
Lackford Lakes Barns
Lackford Lakes Barns holiday cottages are set in a beautiful Suffolk countryside location where you can enjoy an outdoor lifestyle. Beautiful Lackford Lakes and West Stow Lakes, a haven...
Stearn Cottage
A detached property on two levels (ground and mezzanine), Stearn Cottage is a unique country retreat sleeping 6-8 people. Extensively renovated in 2004, as part of the Stable Courtyard ...
