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FAVERSHAM ABBEY Kent County, England Faversham Abbey was founded by King Stephen and Queen Matilda in 1147. It was situated north-east of Faversham, and about 9 miles west of Canterbury, England. While the Abbey was in progress of being built, Queen Matilda 'Maud' took quite an interest in it and stayed at St. Augustine's in Canterbury. Since the monks of St. Augustine take a vow of silence, the Queen summoned monks from Christ Church to celebrate divine service for her. Clarimbald, prior of Bermondsey, along with twelve monks were transferred to Faversham to form a community. Clarmbald was appointed the abbot. Chapels in the church were dedicated to Our Lady and St. Anne. During the reign of Henry VIII, the house and site was given to John Wheler and for 21 years he paid an annual rent for it. Then the property when to Sir Thomas Cheney who was the warden of Cinque Ports. Thomas Ardern eventually owned the property and then it belonged to the Sondes family. In 1735 the gates fell into disrepair, showing the Inner Gateway. The guest house along with the Outer Gateway were demolished in 1772. Faversham Abbey is the burial place for King Stephen in 1154 along with his Queen Matilda De BOULOGNE in 1152 and their son Eustace in 1153.
SOURCES:
'Houses of Benedictine monks: The abbey of Faversham', A History of the County of Kent:
Catholic Encyclopedia: Faversham Abbey
Faversham Abbey
British History: House of Benedictine monks - The abbey of Faversham
Wikipedia.com - Faversham Abbey
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