Following on from the blog series about the discovery of, and research around, the 16th century ship painting, welcome to our new blog series, "Rediscovering Tavistock Abbey,"
We will embark on an exploration of one of Tavistock's most historically significant yet often overlooked landmarks. As a Heritage Trust, we believe that the Tavistock Abbey story deserves to be told in full, revealing the rich tapestry of its past and its impact on our present.
We believe that the Saxon foundation of the Abbey places it amongst the earliest of the medieval religious houses founded in Britain, and it was in continuous use by the same Benedictine order for five and half centuries. Yet, with its Henrician dissolution and the remodelling of the town by the 6th and 7th Dukes of Bedford its exact footprint and design are shrouded by vagueries. There are representations of it, like Finberg's engraving above, but these are far from definitive.
Tavistock Heritage Trust are working hard on a project called “Rediscovering Tavistock Abbey”. Its aims are to, where possible, restore the current remains; use digital mapping techniques and traditional, community based, archaeology to accurately map the footprint of the abbey and its buildings; and to deliver a state of the art educational presentation that brings the Abbey, its history and place in national and international history.
Why Tavistock Abbey?
Tavistock Abbey holds a unique place in the history of South West England.
Founded in the late 10th century, it quickly became one of the wealthiest and most influential abbeys in the region. Despite this, its story is frequently overshadowed by more well-known historical events and figures. Our aim is to bring the abbey's fascinating history to the forefront, shedding light on its origins, its growth, and its enduring legacy.
What Intrigues Us About the Abbey?
Several aspects of Tavistock Abbey capture our imagination:
The Remnants: What remains of the abbey today, and what happened to the rest of it?
The Bedford Connection: How did the Bedford family become so closely associated with the abbey?
Wealth and Influence: Why was Tavistock Abbey considered one of the wealthiest in the South West, and how did it achieve this status?
The People: Who were the key figures behind the abbey's creation and growth?
The Architecture: What happened to the buildings, and what can they tell us about the abbey’s past?
Its role in our national history: What part did the Abbey play in the formation of England as we know it
Apart from being a centre of spirituality: What were its other roles and functions in the South West of England and the nation as a whole.
What to Expect in the Series
Over the next eight weeks, we will delve into various facets of Tavistock Abbey’s history:
The Forgotten Treasure: Explore why Tavistock Abbey has been a neglected gem in historical narratives and why its story matters.
The Royal Connection: Discover how King Edgar the Peaceable and Queen Alfreda set the stage for the abbey’s founding.
The Founding of the Abbey: Unravel the mystery of who truly founded Tavistock Abbey—Ordgar or Ordulf—and their contributions.
Strategic Location: Learn why the abbey was built on the banks of the River Tavy and the strategic advantages of its location.
The First Abbey: Imagine what the initial abbey might have looked like before the Viking raids.
The Rebuilding: Follow the abbey’s reconstruction and expansion over the centuries, leading to its peak in the 14th century.
A Seat of Learning: Understand the abbey’s role as an educational and intellectual hub, including its pioneering printing press.
The Dissolution and Legacy: Examine the dissolution of the abbey under Henry VIII and its lasting impact through the Bedford family.
Join Us on This Journey
As we peel back the layers of history, we invite you to join us on this journey of rediscovery. Each blog post will offer insights into the abbey’s past, supported by historical records, expert opinions, and vivid descriptions. Together, we will uncover the hidden stories of Tavistock Abbey, bringing its rich history back to life.
Stay tuned for our first blog post next week, and let’s begin this fascinating exploration of Tavistock Abbey!
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