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Shrewsbury Abbey

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Shrewsbury Abbey, founded in 1083 as a Benedictine monastery, is a masterpiece of Norman architecture with its distinctive rounded arches and massive stone pillars. The abbey survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries and remains an active parish church. Visitors can admire the intricately carved wooden choir stalls, the medieval stained glass, and the museum housed in the former chapter house, which displays artifacts from the abbey's long history. The abbey also gained fame as the setting for Ellis Peters' Brother Cadfael mystery novels, with a dedicated exhibition.

Don't miss

  • Marvel at the Norman nave and its massive stone columns and rounded arches.
  • Visit the Brother Cadfael exhibition, celebrating the fictional medieval detective.
  • See the medieval stained glass and the intricately carved misericords in the choir.

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Ways to visit Shrewsbury Abbey

You can usually visit on your own. A tour is worth it for transport, a guide, or combining nearby sights into one day.

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