Abbey Fields
Abbey
Fields in the winter. From the High Street.
The Barn
It
is not known what this building was originally used for, but it was used
as a barn when cattle grazed the Abbey Fields.
It
now houses relics from excavations of the Abbey Fields, and is open to
visitors at weekends in the summer.
Essentially mid-14th century.
Tantara Gatehouse
14th
Century entrance to the monastery.
After
the Dissolution, the Gatehouse and Barn were left standing to accommodate
a site caretaker.
The Lake
Lake
in Abbey Fields just before it froze over in winter 1997. The castle can
be seen in the distance.
Now known as Oxpen Meadow, the site was recently excavated
to create a permanent pool all year round.
On August 1st 1265, supporters of Simon de Montfort swam the lake in their night clothes to escape the army of Prince Edward and find temporary safety in the castle walls. See Baron's War.
Ducks at Oxpen
Ducks
and other fowl on the Oxpen Meadow lake.
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Throwing bread to the ducks is a popular weekend pastime.
Abbey Ruins
Southern
wall of the Abbey Chapter House - one of the only parts of the original
Abbey that remains above ground.
Excavations
of the Abbey Fields in the early part of the century revealed the true
extent of the Abbey grounds. These have since been filled in.
See a copy of the book "The Abbey of St Mary Kenilworth" for fascinating pictures of what lies buried just beneath the surface!
The
Lapidary wall was constructed
in 1890 using fragments of the Abbey ruins that were discovered during
the excavations.
The Fields
More
of the Abbey Fields. This view South from the swimming pool.
Tennis
Recently
refurbished (1999) tennis courts. It is thought that the original abbey
site extended to the edge of the courts.
Bowling Green
Bowling green opposite the swimming pool.