The Founding of Croxden Abbey.

Croxden Abbey was founded in 1176 by Bertram III de Verdun,  who granted land to a group of Cistercian monks from Aunay-sur-Odon in Normandy. The site was chosen for its water and fertile land to support farming, but it was far enough away from the busy town and trade routes.

Life Within the Abbey Walls

Daily life at Croxden followed strict monastic rules. The monks woke early to pray and attend services, something they would repeat throughout the day. Between services, they worked in fields, workshops, and gardens, producing food and goods that allowed the Abbey to function independently.

The abbey included not only the church, but also cloisters, a chapter house, dormitories, an infirmary, and accommodation for the abbot. Traces of these can still be seen today.

Decline and Dissolution

Like many religious houses, Croxden Abbey faced hardship from the 14th century onwards; this put a strain on its finances, and the number of monks living at the site decreased.

By the time Henry the V11’s dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century came around. The Abbey was not the thriving place it once was. In 1538, the Abbey finally closed. The monks were pensioned off, and the church roof was removed to stop them praying there. Eventually, the land passed into private hands.

Many stones from the Abbey were repurposed for local building, and part of the site was used as farmland. At some point, a road was built directly through what was once a place of worship. I find this quite sad.

Reported Hauntings and Visitor Accounts

Croxden Abbey is sometimes described as having an intense atmosphere, and over the years, numerous reports of unusual experiences have been recorded. When I have visited Croxden, I find it a peaceful location, but I sense a disconnect, now that the road runs through it, splitting the Abbey in half.

People have seen figures resembling monks walking through the ruins; this is said to be common in low light or at dusk. I have also come across claims that figures of nuns have been seen, make of that what you will!

Other accounts say unexplained sounds are heard, such as footsteps and voices, when no one else is around. Often, people sense they are being watched; I certainly get that feeling when I visit.

Given that the Abbeys decline, it would not surprise me that monks still walk there, perhaps trying to protect the remnants of the place they once called home

A Place Between History and Memory

Croxden Abbey is now owned and maintained by English Heritage. The road that now runs through the site is a symbol of how drastically things have changed. However, the energy and presence of the Abbey’s religious past still lingers.

Haunted Staffordshire –by Philip Solomon

500 British Ghosts and Hauntings by Sarah Hapgood -Does not mention Croxden, but I have had my copy for a long time, and I still use it for reference today.

For all your witchy supplies –The Psychic Tree.

For books on witchcraft, I recommend Pagan Portal books. Take a look here

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