Muchelney Abbey, South West England

Muchelney Abbey is located on the Somerset levels and was one of the medieval island monasteries, known as the Holy Islands of the Somerset Levels. Although roads now run through this region it was once a very wet and isolated area.  While still somewhat isolated, today it is set in the countryside, although the area is still liable to flood at times.  In the 12th Century the monastery was visited by the historian monk, William of Malmesbury, who stated: 

‘For it is difficult of access, and in summer may be reached on foot or – more often – by horse, but in the winter never.’

The Abbot’s House is the only building to remain above foundation level, as this was used as a farmhouse after the reformation.  The other buildings did not decay over time, they were deliberately dismantled after the reformation.  

The Abbot’s house was heavily altered and extended around 1500.  This has left us with a late medieval/early Tudor decoration.  The Bishop’s Hall would have been where guests were entertained.  Although the woodwork around the window was added later, the windows themselves, and the fireplace, date from this time. The panel over the fireplace with carved lions at the top may have held a tapestry. 

One of the chambers in the Abbot’s quarters, which was later used as a cheese room, shows the quality of workmanship.  The panelled timber ceiling is typical of Somerset, as is the slightly cambered floor.