Founded in 1128, Waverley Abbey was the first Cistercian abbey in England. Unfortunately, being built on a flood plain, it was flooded more than once, leaving the inhabitants at the mercy of poverty and famine.
The ruins are sparse but give the impression of how impressive the abbey would have looked in its day. There’s a certain peaceful atmosphere to the place now. It’s tucked away on a field overlooked over by cows, with Waverley Abbey House opposite.
Like most abbeys in England, Waverley Abbey fell foul of Henry VIII. Dissolved in 1536, the abbey became building material for the local area. Built in 1725, Waverley Abbey House became a military hospital during the First World War.
During the Second World War, the grounds became part of the GHQ line, formed to protect London if the Germans invaded. Remnants of this period of history are found alongside the abbey ruins, including these “anti-tank pimples” by the river.
Film fame
It’s also been a film location for a number of productions including Hot Fuzz, The Mummy (the crappy Tom Cruise version), Elizabeth: The Golden Age, 28 Days Later and Into The Woods.
If you’re in the area, it’s a nice place to spend a bit of time. I could well imagine a supernatural tale or two set here. Or maybe something set during the war, or even showing the history of the Monks who lived there?
What do you think? Please share in the comments.
23/10/2021 at 1:39 AM
Thanks for the visit! Seems like a tranquil place in spite of its age.
I’d like to visit simply because Into the Woods was filmed there! 😀 One of my fav movies!
25/10/2021 at 6:09 PM
It was, quiet too, not full of people as you can see.
24/10/2021 at 4:51 PM
Hello from the USA. I guess that filmmakers like the vibes and aura there. It’s surprising, to me anyway, that a pretty big bunch of movies have used the site. Neil S.
25/10/2021 at 6:09 PM
Hello! It’s pretty secluded too, so not a place prying eyes can easily get to. I find a lot of places have been filmed at in the UK once I look into it – guess it’s coz we’re quite small!