Milton Abbey

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Overview

There’s been an abbey in this attractive spot since the first century, founded originally by Athelstan, and by the 16th century it was large and prosperous, with a small town alongside. After the dissolution in 1539 the estate fell into the hands of John Tregonwell, and in 1752 was sold to Joseph Damer. He knocked down the remaining village and relocated it out of sight at Milton Abbas, in order to build his mansion – now a private school. The magnificent, fan-vaulted abbey church remained, though in poor order until the mid-19th century, when architect George Gilbert Scott was employed to restore it. It now serves as the school’s chapel, and is open to visitors. The Tregonwell tombs are of interest, but the Damer Monument, with sculpted marble figures designed by Robert Adam, is remarkable, and well worth seeing.

Features

Facilities
Parking nearby

Location

Milton Abbey School, Blandford Forum, MILTON ABBAS, DT11 0BZ

About the area

Dorset is made up of rugged coastlines, high chalk downlands and a chain of picturesque villages and seaside towns that make up Britain’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, noted for its layers of shale and numerous fossils embedded in the rock. Hidden gems of Dorset can be found down winding, country lanes that lead to snug villages hidden from view.

Area image

Milton Abbas Dorset Things To Do in Dorset

Milton Abbey

Milton Abbey School, Blandford Forum, MILTON ABBAS, DT11 0BZ

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Milton Abbey

Recommended by

Overview

There’s been an abbey in this attractive spot since the first century, founded originally by Athelstan, and by the 16th century it was large and prosperous, with a small town alongside. After the dissolution in 1539 the estate fell into the hands of John Tregonwell, and in 1752 was sold to Joseph Damer. He knocked down the remaining village and relocated it out of sight at Milton Abbas, in order to build his mansion – now a private school. The magnificent, fan-vaulted abbey church remained, though in poor order until the mid-19th century, when architect George Gilbert Scott was employed to restore it. It now serves as the school’s chapel, and is open to visitors. The Tregonwell tombs are of interest, but the Damer Monument, with sculpted marble figures designed by Robert Adam, is remarkable, and well worth seeing.

Features

Facilities
Parking nearby

Location

Milton Abbey School, Blandford Forum, MILTON ABBAS, DT11 0BZ

About the area

Area image

Dorset is made up of rugged coastlines, high chalk downlands and a chain of picturesque villages and seaside towns that make up Britain’s Jurassic Coast, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, noted for its layers of shale and numerous fossils embedded in the rock. Hidden gems of Dorset can be found down winding, country lanes that lead to snug villages hidden from view.

Milton Abbas Dorset Things To Do in Dorset