Three miles north-east of the town, is approached from the Old Heath, by
a road full of picturesque beauty. The vale is watered by the Severn,
while swelling hills fill up the distance.
This monastery was founded in the year 1100 by William Fitz Alan, for
canons regular of St. Augustine, and is situated on the side of a gentle
eminence. The ruins form a most imposing object, and are of sufficient
consequence to attract the steps of the pedestrian. Of the Abbey church
few remains exist. The door which opened into the cloister is an elegant
specimen of anglo-norman architecture.
THE CHAPTER HOUSE is almost in a perfect state of preservation: the front
parallel with the cloister consists of a fine entrance through a circular
arch, with a window in the same style on each side, divided into small
lights. The shafts of these arches have canopied niches containing
mutilated statues; the angel Gabriel, St. Catharine, and St. John may yet
be distinguished.
THE ABBOTT’S LODGING is in part standing, being beyond the cloister and
refectory southward. There is likewise the shell of a noble hall, having
very early mullioned windows, and a very large one at the west end, the
tracery of which is destroyed. At the extremity of this was the great
chamber, lighted by a beautiful bow window (probably a later addition),
and divided into an upper and lower story.
On the north side of the Chapter House are two monumental stones: the
largest indicates the death of John Fitz Alan, Lord of Clun,
great-grandson of William, the founder of the monastery, and the least
that of his wife Isabel, daughter of Roger Mortimer, Lord of Wigmore.
The revenues of this Abbey at the dissolution were, according to Speed,
£294. 12s. 9d. The buildings were sold, and converted into a spacious
mansion. Haughmond demesne comprises about 1100 acres, within which is
situated the castellated MANSION OF SUNDORNE, the property of Mrs.
Corbet.