Whilst over in Kent during the Summer we visited Minster Abbey
This abbey dates back to 670 A.D
There is much history to this place but I won't attempt to give more than a brief outline. Anyone wanting more of the ancient and modern history can go to the following link
The history of the foundation of Minster Abbey is well documented in the old chronicles, and supported by several charters of the Kings of Kent. One of these, King Withred's Charter, 699 is the oldest original of it's kind extant in the country.
When St. Augustine landed at Ebbsfleet in 597 and converted
King Ethelbert of Kent, he brought with him a renewal of Christianity which was eagerly embraced by the Anglo Saxons
One of it's most vigorous flowers was the monastic life in which numbers of men and women, many of noble birth, consecrated themselves to Christ. Abbesses were invited to the councils of kings and bishops, their advice sought, and convents became centres of learning and the arts.
To the left here is seen the ruins of the Norman Tower
13th century majesty re-set
The new modern chapel
Today this Abbey is the home of Benedictine Nuns and they also have a number of guest rooms for quiet retreats
It is wonderful that places like this remain. They are our history.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like a lovely place to visit.
ReplyDeleteI love that it's still in use. Thanks for sharing your adventures, Barbara. Love going on tour with you.
ReplyDeleteHugs
Marvelous place and your photos show it off to perfection.
ReplyDeleteSuch beautiful pictures, the abbey is gorgeous.
ReplyDeleteAs always Barbara, I stand in awe of the beauty and history of this Abbey. You are so fortunate to be able to view it in person. God Bless you and thank you for sharing your ventures with us.
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos and thoughts! Thanks for sharing all this history!
ReplyDeleteIt would be a lovely place to take a quiet retreat. We are very much still snow covered here and enjoy the summer pictures.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful how the flower soften those ancient stones and together they create such beauty. The new is quite lovely, still it doesn't have the grandeur or the presence of the old.
ReplyDeleteAs always, a lovely and interesting ramble, thanks Barabara.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty!
ReplyDeleteJust think of all the prayers and praise that has been sent heavenward from this place. I love those old stones.
ReplyDeleteThat was a lovely trip Barbara. Thanks for sharing it with us. Your photographs bring it to life. That modern chapel looks beautiful and so tranquil.
ReplyDeleteIt is very beautiful and I like retro places like these, thanks Barabara
ReplyDeleteThe last few days I have been reading in Exodus how God directed Moses to gather craftsmen to create the Tabernacle and special garments for the priests. It is one of my favorite sections of Scripture. Seeing these pictures of the Abbey causes me to ponder how places for worship have changed since the first Tabernacle was built! Thanks from Gracie for another interesting post, Barbara :-)
ReplyDeleteWhat a haunting and interesting place. I am so sorry I didn't see some of these places. Just did a post on Richard III.
ReplyDeleteThey didn't teach us much English history when I was growing up. I feel cheated. Love it.
We are getting a new snow storm, can't wait till spring. We bought some tulips today. Soon the Garden shows start. Yippy!!!
Oh, wouldn't it be amazing to stay in one of the guest rooms. Beautiful.
ReplyDeleteAs in the last post with the gorgeous flowers, the flowers in this post also make the buildings just pop. It was nice to see the old and new. Is that altar one pice of tree trunk? Gorgeous! It is amazing that the buildings are still in such a preserved state after so many years.
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