Bisham Abbey
Christian·England·Active sports centre and venue·14th century
Bisham Abbey is a historic Grade I listed manor house in Berkshire, England, built around a former monastery. Originally a community house for Knights Templar, it later served various royal purposes and was a priory for Augustinian Canons before being dissolved and refounded as a Benedictine abbey. Today, the site functions as a National Sports Centre, offering extensive athletic facilities and also serving as a wedding and conference venue.
Key Facts
- ›The site was originally a community house for Knights Templar, built around 1260.
- ›It became Bisham Priory in 1337, founded for Augustinian Canons, and was the burial place for many Earls of Salisbury.
- ›The priory was dissolved in 1537 and refounded as a Benedictine abbey, only to be dissolved again in 1538.
- ›The manor house was later part of Anne of Cleves' divorce settlement and subsequently owned by the Hoby family.
- ›The complex is now one of three National Sports Centres run by Sport England, hosting athletes and community groups.
- ›It is also a licensed wedding venue and hosts conferences and private functions.
National Sports Centre Facilities, Wedding and Conference Venue, Historic Manor House, Former Monastery Site
Bisham Priory
William Montacute, 1st Earl of Salisbury, Anne of Cleves, Elizabeth I, Anne of Denmark, Dame Elizabeth Hoby, John Cordery, Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick
- Suppression of the Knights Templar
- Confinement of Queen Elizabeth of the Scots
- Founding of Bisham Priory
- Dissolution of Bisham Priory
- Refounding and Final Dissolution As A Benedictine Abbey
About Bisham Abbey
Bisham Abbey is a significant historical site in Berkshire, England, comprising a Grade I listed manor house and the grounds of a former monastery. Its origins trace back to around 1260 when it was established as a community house for two Knights Templar. The site later evolved into Bisham Priory, founded in 1337 by William Montacute, 1st Earl of Salisbury, for Augustinian Canons. This priory became a traditional burial place for numerous Earls of Salisbury and other prominent figures, including Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick.
Monastery and Manor House History
After the suppression of the Templars, the manorial rights were held by the Crown, and the building served various purposes, including a place of confinement for Queen Elizabeth of the Scots in 1310. The priory itself was dissolved on July 5, 1537, but was briefly refounded as a Benedictine abbey six months later before its final dissolution on June 19, 1538. The abbot at the time, John Cordery, is famously associated with a curse on the property.
Following its monastic dissolution, the manor house was granted to Anne of Cleves as part of her divorce settlement from Henry VIII. It later came into the possession of the Hoby family, who resided there until 1768, and was a frequent retreat for Elizabeth I during their tenure. A legend persists about the haunting of Dame Elizabeth Hoby, who is said to have cursed the house after an incident involving her son.
Modern Use
Today, the complex surrounding the extant manorial buildings operates as one of three National Sports Centres managed by Sport England. It serves as a residential training base for athletes and teams, as well as community groups. The site also functions as a wedding venue, licensed for civil ceremonies, and is utilized for conferences, team-building events, corporate parties, and private functions. The facilities are extensive, catering to a wide range of sports and athletic training needs.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Bisham Abbey's historical significance?
Bisham Abbey has a rich history, originating as a Knights Templar community house and later becoming Bisham Priory for Augustinian Canons. It served as a noble burial site and was briefly a Benedictine abbey before its dissolution. The manor house also has royal connections, being part of a divorce settlement for Anne of Cleves.
What is Bisham Abbey used for today?
Today, Bisham Abbey functions as a National Sports Centre, offering extensive facilities for athletes and sports teams. It also operates as a popular wedding venue and hosts conferences, team-building events, and private functions.
Who was buried at Bisham Priory?
Bisham Priory was the traditional resting place for many Earls of Salisbury, including William Montagu, 1st Earl of Salisbury, and Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick. Several other members of the Montagu family and associated figures were also interred there.
Are there any famous legends associated with Bisham Abbey?
A long-standing legend suggests that the house is haunted by the ghost of Dame Elizabeth Hoby, who is said to have beaten her son to death for making a mistake in his copy-book. The abbot John Cordery is also said to have cursed the building before its final dissolution.
What kind of sports facilities are available at Bisham Abbey?
The sports centre boasts a wide array of facilities, including an international water-based hockey pitch, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, an elite strength and conditioning facility, a community gym, squash courts, and a golf course. It also houses a sports therapy performance centre.
Has Bisham Abbey been featured in any media?
Yes, Bisham Abbey is mentioned in Jerome K. Jerome's 1889 humorous novel "Three Men in a Boat." It was also featured in a television advertisement by Nationwide Building Society during their sponsorship of the England football team in 2010.
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Mount Grace Priory
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Beauvale Priory
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