Buildwas Abbey is an English Heritage site in Shropshire not far from Ironbridge (two miles away) and Much Wenlock (five miles away) These ancient ruins of the Cistercian abbey are situated in woodlands near the River Severn. There are remains of a 12th century church and chapter house with decorative stonework and a beautifully preserved tile floor.
We visited on Medieval Living History Day when the volunteers were bringing the past to life. Dressed in period costume they exhibited many ancient crafts while explaining and presenting them in detail. There was also a display of sword fighting which was demonstrated with great gusto. I was particularly impressed by the quartet playing medieval music – quite atmospheric within these surroundings. This is an annual event which takes place each July. There was also a well-stocked second-hand bookshop – so I browsed and bought a number of my favourite crime novels.
To find the Abbey take the A4169 from Telford following the brown signs on the Much Wenlock Road. The postcode is TF8 7BW. Entry is free with a £2 car parking charge.
We thoroughly enjoyed our visit because the friendly volunteers made it so interesting.
