Burnham Abbey

Burnham Abbey stands beside the village of Burnham in Buckinghamshire. Founded in 1266 by Richard, Earl of Cornwall, it was a small house of Augustinian canonesses. The nuns lived quietly on land granted by the founder, though early disputes arose over water and common land. By 1539 only ten nuns remained when the abbey was surrendered at the Dissolution. The site passed through several owners until rescued in the 20th century. The abbey’s survival is remarkable given its modest wealth and turbulent history. Legal battles over manors and vandalism by claimants marked its medieval years. When dissolved, its annual income was just over fifty pounds. Later owners altered the buildings, and by the 18th century it had become a farm. Restoration began in 1913, returning parts to religious use. Today the remaining medieval rooms include the chapter house, sacristy and parts of the refectory and infirmary. The Society of the Precious Blood, an Anglican community, has lived here since 1916. Their chapel occupies the former chapter house, and the Grade I listed abbey retains its quiet dignity among the fields.