Secrets and Stories from Combermere Abbey

Join us as we journey through the centuries of history at Combermere Abbey.

Imagine waking up to find you’ve inherited one of Cheshire’s most prestigious historic estates—nearly 900 years of stories, secrets, and legacy. That’s exactly what happened to Sarah Callander Beckett. Inheriting a historic estate might sound like a dream, but for Sarah Callander Beckett, it was the challenge of a lifetime.

After her mother, Penelope Bostock, started major alterations in the 1970s to safeguard Combermere Abbey as a family home, Sarah took on the challenge of restoring the 7 listed buildings on the estate to make them fit for modern use.  Over the past 30 years, she has led an ambitious restoration project, rescuing the Abbey from serious disrepair and ensuring its legacy lives on.

Keep reading to uncover fascinating facts about this historic Cheshire building—think secret tales of sinister monks, a woman who gave birth to over 15 children, and history that feels straight out of a Netflix drama!

Dating back to around 1100, Combermere Abbey boasts a rich history with a full timeline that traces its journey from the very beginning. In 1536, Combermere Abbey was granted to Sir George Cotton, a man of significant influence, who incorporated the Refectory into the heart of his new Tudor home. The Cotton family remained at Combermere for nearly 400 years, expanding their influence locally, nationally, and internationally. In the late 18th century, a major renovation and redesign transformed the building into the Gothic structure we see today.

The Darker Side of Monastic Life at Combermere Abbey

Did you know that Combermere Abbey was once a monastery and home to many monks? Its history holds some fascinating and surprising truths about the medieval monks who lived there. When you picture a medieval monk, you might imagine a serene figure in a simple robe, devoted to prayer and spiritual work. While many lived humble and pious lives, not all the monks that inhabited Combermere were quite as saintly.

The monks, while occasionally devout, often strayed far from the ideal of peaceful holiness. Historical records describe them as violent, corrupt, and feared by their neighbours. Rather than living in harmony, they were frequently involved in conflicts that tarnished their reputation.

This complicated legacy reminds us that history is rarely straightforward. These men who were meant to embody virtue, often struggled with human flaws.

Life and Death Among Mothers and Children: The Cotton Family Story

After Combermere Abbey was ‘dissolved’ in the 16th century, it was gifted to Sir George Cotton, launching the Cotton family into prominence. Taking a look into their family history reveals extraordinary tales of life, death, and resilience, particularly among the women who married into the family.

Remarkably, five women in the late 17th and 18th centuries gave birth to a staggering 66 children collectively. Among them was Mary Bromley, who had ten daughters before finally producing a son. She lived to an impressive 78 years, a testament to the family’s relatively good fortune compared to the era’s harsh averages.

In another branch of the family, Hester Salusbury married Sir Robert Cotton and bore sixteen children, six of whom died in infancy—still far below the grim national averages of child mortality at the time. Life expectancy in rural estates like Combermere was higher, thanks to better nutrition, cleaner environments, and reduced exposure to urban dangers like disease and accidents.

A snapshot of the Cotton women shows they defied many of the era’s grim statistics:

14 wives bore 98 children, averaging seven each.

Only 8.9–11.7% of the children died young, compared to the national average of nearly 16%.

The mothers lived to an average age of 60—well above the norm.

The Cotton family’s story illustrates the stark contrasts between life for the wealthy and the hardships faced by the wider population. Yet even their privilege could not shield them entirely from the risks of childbirth and early mortality. It’s a reminder of the resilience required to thrive in centuries past.

If you enjoyed reading just some of the fascinating stories from the Combermere Estate, there’s plenty more to explore on our Restoration website. Click the button below to dive into more fascinating stories.

Why not explore Combermere Abbey for yourself on one of our Public or Invitation to View Tours. Tickets are now available for 2025 Tours here.

What’s more, we also offer free entry to our Public Abbey Tours for Historic House Members! If you’re not already part of this great club championing British heritage, why not sign up today and save £5.00 off your annual membership with our special discount code COMB45.