Buildwas Abbey was founded in the 12th century by the Sauvignacs and taken over almost immediately by the Cistercian order. It was built over a hundred years or so, and thereafter not much altered. Despite occasional raids by the Welsh, it continued in good order until surrendered to Henry VIII.
A view of the South Transcept and Nave from the south-east |
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A view of the Nave and South Transcept from the south-west. Because of the rise in the ground, Buildwas had no West Door. |
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The nave, seen from the west, takes advantage of the natural rise in the ground. The three narrow east windows are later replacements for smaller ones. |
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The night stair down from the dortor (dormitory) can be seen in the North Transcept. |
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A fragment of tiling of the North Trascept floor has been preserved. |
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The East Range housed the Parlour, Chapter House and Sacristy, with the brother's frater over, and a crypt below. It was continuous with the North Transcept. |
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The largest and most ornate door in the East Range leads to the Chapter House. |
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The very fine ribbed vaulting of the Chapter House roof. |
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A part of the tiled floor of the Chapter House remains in place. |
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At Buildwas, the cloister is unusually situated to the north of the nave instead of the south. |
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The West Range housed, on three storeys, cellars, kitchens and the lay brothers' frater. |
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This chapel, south of the nave where the cloister is in many monasteries, is a 14th century addition. |
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The Sedilia in the south wall of the Presbytery are another 14th century addition. |