On the outskirts of Telford lie the ruins of this magnificent, predominently Norman, Arrouaisian Abbey, founded around 1145 by canons from Dorchester Abbey, dissolved 1538. The foundation is reputed to have struggled financially which may account for the lack of rebuilding. the reward for us 800 years on is the presence of wonderful, original Norman arches and a indication of how dark the church must have been in the absence of soaring perpendicular windows. The abbey stands unguarded and is free to enter even though looked after by English Heritage.
