Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse, Kingswood (Gloucestershire)
16th-century gatehouse, one of the latest monastic buildings in England.
Introduction
This 16th-century gatehouse, one of the latest monastic buildings in England, displays a richly sculpted mullioned window. It is the sole survivor of this Cistercian abbey.
History to the present day
The Abbey Gatehouse dates back as far as the 16th century and is thought to be the sole surviving remains of a second Cistercian Abbey. The first abbey to be located at Kingswood was founded in 1139 by William de Berkeley, as instructed by his uncle, Roger II of Berkeley. It was colonised by monks from the Cistercian house at Tintern.
In about 1149, the monks relocated to Hazleton which reduced the abbey to grange status. Although the site of the first Kingswood colony is often believed to be Abbey Farm, this is unlikely. However, there is evidence of slight earthworks, possibly the stone wall foundations, in fields to the west of Kingswood.
The monks returned to Kingwood around 1164-70 and founded a new abbey in a better location near the water. The abbey was surrendered and largely demolished in 1538, during the dissolution of the monasteries. The only remains are the early 16th century gatehouse, one of the latest monastic buildings to be built in England.
The gatehouse is two storeys high, and made of ashlar topped by a Cotswold stone slate roof. There is a central moulded arch at ground floor level with a slit window to the left. Above the arch is a richly sculpted mullioned window and there are two buttresses on either side with a gable finial above with a carved Crucifixion scene.
Arrival information and how to find us
Address: Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse, Gloucestershire, , United Kingdom
Opening times:
Exterior: All year
Any reasonable time
Mon - Sun
Interior key available from 3 Wotton Road, Abbey St
10am-3.30pm Mon - Fri
Admission prices:
Adult:Free
Children:Free
Concession:Free
Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photographic Library.
