Find English History at Sherborne Abbey, Dorset
Ancient Saxon Cathedral is One of England’s Most Beautiful Churches
Nov 14, 2009
In the heart of the ancient West Country Town of Sherborne is what many consider to be the most beautiful parish church in England. Sherborne Abbey, founded in 705 A.D. by St. Aldhelm, was once the seat of the Saxon bishopric that stretched from present day Wiltshire to Cornwall. Rich in English history and architectural details, Sherborne Abbey is a must see for any trip to Dorset.
Cathedral, Abbey and Parish Church
The history of both Sherborne and Sherborne Abbey goes back to 705 A.D. when King Ine of Wessex established the See or Diocese of Sherborne and placed Aldhelm as its bishop. Aldhelm chose to build his cathedral near a Saxon settlement on the banks of a scire burne or “clear stream.” The new cathedral served 27 Saxon bishops as seat of the diocese until after the Norman Conquest when the seat was moved to Salisbury.
In 998 A.D., the order of St. Benedict was established and the cathedral served as a Benedictine abbey until March 18, 1539 when Abbot John Barnstaple and his fellow monks surrendered to King Henry VIII during the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Sir John Horsey bought much of the monk’s property and sold the abbey church to the townspeople for £320. Sherborne Abbey has served as a parish church ever since.
Exploring Sherborne Abbey
Although Sherborne Abbey is an operating church, visitors are welcome and photography is allowed. Detailed guidebooks are available for purchase or visitors may pick up a free Walk Around Guide to Sherborne Abbey as they enter the church through the Norman doorway, built around 1140. Opposite at the north end of the church is the Saxon doorway built around 1050.
The most strikingly beautiful feature in Sherborne Abbey is the magnificent fan vault in the ceiling. It is the earliest large-scale fan vault to be built in England, around 1425, and rivals the works of the Italian Renaissance. For a better view, turn on the light switch located on the southeast tower pier.
Other features of note include the medieval misericords in the back stalls of the choir, the tomb portrait of Abbott Clement (c.1166), one of the two earliest surviving tomb portraits in England, the Lady Chapel (c.1240) and the Whistler reredos, and the Abbey’s only remaining medieval stained glass in St. Katherine’s Chapel.
Saxon Kings, Thomas Wyatt and Sir Walter Raleigh
English history can always be found in its churches and Sherborne Abbey is no exception. Tombs of importance here include those of two Saxon kings, Ethelbald (860 A.D.) and Ethelbert (865 A.D.) elder brothers of Alfred the Great. Poet and Tudor courtier Sir Thomas Wyatt, who, it was rumored, was in love with Anne Boleyn, is buried here, as are many of the bishops and abbots who served the church over the centuries.
Sir Walter Raleigh, who was Lord of the Manor of Sherborne, used St. Katherine’s Chapel for his family pew. He completed construction of his home, Sherborne New Castle in 1594 and was chosen a member of parliament for Dorset in 1597.
Sherborne Abbey has served the area continuously for over 1300 years. Its architectural beauty and detail is some of the most outstanding in England. For more information about Sherborne Abbey, visit Sherborne Abbey or the town of Sherborne.
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