Waverley Abbey - the First Ever Cistercian Abbey in England

Serving as a ‘motherhouse’ for other nearby monasteries, Waverley Abbey once housed up to 190 brothers. In 1208, King John spent the last days of Holy Week here, before confiscating all their property and power after his dispute with the pope, with the Abbey’s persecution only ending in 1214. In 1225, it was visited by King Henry III, who took communion here.

Now, the impressive ruins stand as a testament to the tumultuous and influential history of  British christianity.