Canonsleigh Abbey

The original Priory Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint John the Evangelist, Leigh (now Canonsleigh) in Devon was founded as a for the Augustinian Canons Regular "circa"1161 by William de Clarville, lord of Burlescombe.

By 1284 the number of canons had declined to seven, who were evicted in 1285 when Maud (Matilda) de Clare, Countess of Devon refounded the establishment as the Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Saint John the Evangelist and Saint Etheldreda.

In 1286 the abbess was granted the license to hold weekly markets but not much more seems to be known. It was not especially wealthy however it remained open until 1539, towards the end of the dissolution of the monasteries.

The remains consist of a substantial gatehouse dating from the 15th century, now within the yard of Canonsleigh Barton farm, whilst some way to the east lie fragments of wall possibly once part of a mill.

References

* Anthony New, "A Guide to the Abbeys of England And Wales", p104. Constable.
* Henry Thorold, "The Collins Guide to the Ruined Abbeys of England, Wales and Scotland", Harper Collins, 1985
* Ordnance Survey, "Monastic Britain, South Sheet, 2nd Edition".
* The Cartulary of Canonsleigh Abbey [http://www.thorngent.eclipse.co.uk/dowland/canonsleigh.htm]

See also

* Abbeys and priories in England