Abbey of Saint John the Evangelist, was founded in about 1100 AD. Look, here it is.
Today the Abbey is looked after by English heritage. That's the good news. The bad news is that is was closed for the winter when I got there. The good news is that I popped in anyway to take some snaps. The bad news is that I have included them in a report. Nice carving and stone work anyone?
Also known as Haughmond Abbey, the abbey was eventually dissolved in 1539 as part of Henry VIII's nationwide Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Part of it became a house, and other bits private accomadation, although a fire during the Civil War caused further damage. Luckily this room remained intact.
Some more doors and windows.
It was a nice place to visit. The late afternoon sunlight gave the place a really nice light, and being there alone was good.
Wandering around places that have been there for 900 years is good. Weird to think the last time this nave was full of people worshipping was 469 years ago.
The autumn sun was setting as I left, slipping away from the abbey. Does it count as exploring if it is English Heritage? I think it counts as double if it is shut. As this was the second English Heritage place I had visited during the day that was shut, I think it counts for three.