The Abbey grounds

On this beautiful cold, clear, and crisp day we walked through the wooded grounds of Delapre Abbey in Northampton. Squirrel territory with huge variety of ancient trees!

The Abbey of St Mary in the Meadow, was founded as a monastery of nuns about the year 1145 and belonged to the congregation of the great Abbey of Cluny in Burgundy, France. It closed in 1538. Later it became s a private residence much later was converted for use as the Northamptonshire County Records Office. Currently the house, a Grade II listed building is being restored by The Friends of Delapré Abbey in Northampton who according to their website "are committed to protecting, preserving, restoring and renovating the Abbey, including its walled garden, grounds and lake. It can then be enjoyed as a leisure, learning and tourism resource both now and in the future by the local and wider community." An enormous project!