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Combermere Abbey - Wedding venue in Cheshire

Estate

History of the Abbey

© Simon Williams-Tully
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Respectful of the past, restored for today

Founded as a Cistercian monastery on lands given by Hugh de Malbank, Lord of Nantwich in the 12th century, Combermere Abbey has survived the Dissolution of the Monasteries, religious arguments, civil war, debt and family tragedy. Thanks to a generous grant from the Culture Recovery Fund, you can hear its story first-hand in this short video.

A place of historical significance

A complex medieval and 16th century building with extensive 19th century pasteboard Gothic enveloping, there is much history to be seen in the jewel that is Combermere Abbey. It began as a wealthy house (its lands and holdings reached an impressive 22,000 acres at its peak) and with 22 monks in residence.

Dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536, Combermere Abbey was given to Sir George Cotton. A man of influence, The Abbey church and claustral buildings were removed leaving only the Abbots House and hall to form the basis of the current house.

Undergoing several renovations, the house reflected the increasing stature of the Cotton family. 1775-1820 saw a succession of extensive Gothic remodelling. Servants bedrooms were created along with the clock tower, a dining room wing, Stone Lodge and the stables.

In 1919, Combermere Abbey and its estate was sold to Sir Kenneth Crossley of Crossley Motors. Used as an evacuee girls’ school during the Second World War, the house began to show signs of increasing decay.

heritage stays

In 1957, the estate passed to Sir Kenneth’s granddaughter, Lady Lindsay and the 1970s saw a major renovation project, removing two wings to secure the future of the house. Lady Lindsay’s daughter, Sarah Callander Beckett, took over the estate.

Lady Lindsay’s daughter, Sarah Callander Beckett, took over the estate in 1992 and began an extensive restoration project. Since this time, we have seen the restoration of estate buildings and the Walled Gardens, the conversion of the stable block into luxury cottages and the exciting restoration of the magnificent North Wing.

Be transported to a place where history luxury and beauty combine - historic wedding venues

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