Rufford Abbey, Rufford, Nottinghamshire
This is the site of the Cistercian Abbey of St Mary. It was founded in 1146 by Gilbert de Gant. The construction of the stone buildings of the abbey appears to have been completed by c1170. It was closed at the dissolution. In 1537 the entire estate was granted to George Talbot, fourth Earl of Shrewsbury. He transformed the abbey into a country house between 1560 and 1590. Another, now demolished, wing was added to the house in 1679. Partial excavation between 1956-7 revealed the ground plan of the Cistercian abbey. This property is now in the care of English Heritage (2010).
