On a warm day in July, the Friends visited Dorchester Abbey which is situated in the quintessential picturesque English village of Dorchester in Oxfordshire – a village where Midsomer Murders is regularly filmed. We made it at last as the visit was postponed at least twice due to Covid. After a delicious lunch in the White Hart and a chance to wonder round the village, we went to the Abbey for our fascinating guided tour.
Saint Birinus, the first Bishop of Dorchester, built a Cathedral in 634 AD. After the Norman Conquest it became an Augustinian Abbey and after the dissolution of the monasteries the Abbey was purchased by Richard Beauforest and given to the villagers in 1554. The Abbey is packed with interesting artefacts including several effigies, one being the cross-legged knight in chainmail which is an outstanding example of thirteenth century sculpture. Not to be missed is the Cloister Gallery, an award winning display of mediaeval carved stone from the Abbey and Monastic Buildings. The Jesse Window combines 14th century stonework and glass to show Jesus’s family connection with King David. After the tour and a visit to the Museum we were treated to a delicious tea with cake and scones provided by the Abbey volunteers.
The Friends support projects to enhance the visitor attraction to the Abbey, and enjoy regular coffee mornings, events and outings including the theatre at Sonning, River trips and an Annual Dinner. Our next visit is to Raines Vineyard and Hinton Ampner. If you would like to join us our membership fee is £10 per annum per person, please contact: office@romseyabbeyfriends.org or find an invitation leaflet to join in the Abbey, Church Rooms or Romsey Library.
