The abbey is most probably Saxon in origin and is thought to date back to the 7C. It was rebuilt, extended and burned down, then restored in the 12C. The abbey had seigneurial rights and vast estates when it fell victim to Dissolution in 1539. After going through the Visitors' Centre dedicated to the abbey and the many legends surrounding it, you come to the ruins spread about on vast lawns, shaded by majestic trees. The kitchen building (14C) is the only part remaining intact.