14. Abbey Pool & Fields

To support the Abbey, the surrounding land was given over to food production with orchards, a vineyard, pastures and gardens. A dam, constructed around 1200, created the Abbey Pool (roughly on the site of the modern lake) this was stocked with fish and powered a watermill on the south bank of the brook. The possible site of a boathouse can be seen on the bare patch of bank away to your right.

Continue around the Swimming pool to the iron bridge. A bridge over the brook has existed near this spot since the 12th century although it was washed away and replaced at least twice. Following dissolution, the land remained private, but concerted efforts over the last 150 years have made it the lovely public space of Abbey Fields.

Finished!

Turn right uphill back to the War Memorial and Abbey End.

We hope you enjoyed the trail! Why not try another on your next visit?