Beeleigh Abbey

)[2] from John de Grey, who previously acquired the said manor, land, and advowsons from Thomas Filliol.

In 1540, Henry VIII granted the abbey and lands to Sir John Gate, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster.

By the late 19th century, the buildings were in a ruinous condition, but in 1912, restoration was begun by Captain F. W. Grantham.

The roofs of the resilient medieval buildings can be seen from a footpath that runs down market hill and ends following the River Chelmer.

In 2008, the Premonstratensians returned to Essex, establishing a house at St. Philip's Priory in Chelmsford, some 8 miles from Beeleigh.

Nothing could be dated to the 1180 construction, but among the discoveries were the foundations of a medieval hall house, a brick clamp, and other outbuildings.

Beeleigh Abbey house, incorporating remains of the earlier monastery on the site
A plan of Beeleigh Abbey as it was in 1536. By permission of Stephen P. Nunn from his book ‘St. Roger of Beeleigh’ 2001 ISBN 0 9511948 4 4