Shrewsbury Abbey

Shrewsbury Abbey was founded in 1083 by the Norman Roger de Montgomery. The Abbey became the centre of Norman and Medieval power in the region and the Monks who formed the community here followed the rule of St. Benedict for 457 years.

As is common with all English Abbeys and Priories the Dissolution of the Monasteries by King Henry VIII saw monastic life come to an end. However, during the dissolution in 1540, the Abbey lost its domestic buildings and much of the church. After the dissolution a shortened nave was left to serve as the parish church. Today Shrewsbury Abbey stands on a large, harp-shaped green, planted with trees and laid out with gravestones. The Noble west tower, with its large decorated, stained glass window, was built in the 14th Century in the reign of Edward II whose statue can be seen above the window.

Today, this building is a place not only of historical importance, but also of spiritual significance as it continues to serve as a house of God. The Abbey contains a teashop and it is possible to undertake guided tours of the building.