Abbeys monasteries and convents Southwest

Bath boasts a splendid Gothic abbey, renovated by Henry VII and built on the site of a Saxon monastery that was the coronation ground for Edgar, the first king of England, in 973. Now restored to its original splendor, with the vibrant colors of its fan-shaped vaults, the church has a new look. Its construction, in 1499, was interrupted and resumed in 1609, resulting in a mixture of styles. During the reign of Elizabeth^I, it was nicknamed the "Lantern of the West", in homage to its immense stained glass windows: 56 scenes illustrating the life of Christ.

This abbey, now in ruins, is known as the oldest Christian shrine in Britain and is linked to Joseph of Arimathea. A fire destroyed the building in 1184, and the monastery, which had been rebuilt, was abandoned in 1539. Legend has it that King Arthur and Queen Guinevere were buried on the estate, but their remains were lost when the site was dissolved. Don't miss Abbot Dunstan's kitchen, particularly well preserved. There's also a small museum on site.