St Edith of Polesworth
Orton on the Hill, Leicestershire
St Edith's dates almost entirely from the 14th century, but the tower and clerestory are from about a century later.
Polesworth Abbey was founded in the 600s around the shrine to a Saxon Princess, Saint Editha. Visit to see recent Saxon archaeology and the later medieval development of the abbey.
Patronised by the Mercian dynasty from the early 9th century, the abbey was rebuilt in the Anglo Norman style when the shrine was refounded in the time of Anselm. New displays reveal what was learned from 3 years of community archaeology. Visualisations take you back into various medieval phases of development.
Post dissolution the Abbey was where William Shakespeare was educated and has connections with other Elizabethan poets, especially John Donne.
Refectory open. The Abbey also provides accommodation for visitors in the Gatehouse; see 'Sykes Cottages Polesworth'.