Hailes Abbey, Stanway, Gloucestershire
The Cistercian abbey of Hailes was founded in 1246 by Richard, Earl of Cornwall. He founded it in thanksgiving for surviving a shipwreck. The abbey church was built by 1277. The abbey had extensive and elaborate buildings, financed by pilgrims visiting its renowned relic, 'the Holy Blood of Hailes' - allegedly a phial of Christ's own blood. Following its dissolution in 1539 by Henry VIII, the abbey was sold to a dealer in monastic properties, soon after which the church was demolished. This site is now in the care of English Heritage (2010). More Info
Location
Gloucestershire HailesPeriod
Medieval (Middle Ages) (1066 - 1484)Themes
