Quote from Angela on September 23, 2019, 2:39 pm

The ancient Buckland Estate, now property of the British National Trust, is packed with monastic history (see pic below of an original monastic welded masonry piece) was founded in 1278.  Situated in the Tavy Valley, England, was the very last Cistercian monastery to be erected in medieval England.

The Abbey has undergone much restoration, passing through the hands of famous seafarers, surviving a catastrophic fire, but stands strong today retaining over eight centuries of history within her walls.

For over 250 years, the monks peacefully farmed the vast abbey, but then its dissolution saw it sold to a Sir Roger Grenville who modified the building to his liking as a functioning house. Later it was sold to none other than Sir Frances Drake, the English Naval Officer who circumnavigated the globe.

However locals say his spirit became perplexed and his spirit with accompanying hell hounds reportedly still haunt this home today. Visitors have reports walking shadow figures and unexplained mist like light anomalies.

If you are ever able to attend a Falconer event i can assure it to be a fantastic opportunity, a rare glimpse into the past with period costumed dancers performing a vibrant tapestry of events in bringing the Abbey back to life.

Or just sit back and admire the traditional Elizabethan Gardens and original Tudor architecture. 

The Georgian dining room still boasts the famous original Rembrandt self portrait.

The impressive 'Great Barn' a clear indication of the monks' substantial wealth, and was used for storage and winnowing of corn. Today the barn is used as a cider press for local 27 acre river stretch of apple orchards.  

Some history is so beautiful it lasts forever.