Wandering around Bayham Old Abbey, a 13th-century Cistercian abbey, partially demolished in the 16th century under the orders of Cardinal Wolsey, I was fortunate to have the place to myself. It’s been a few years since I last visited, and I was lucky enough, many years ago, to observe repairs being carried out on the monument.
White lime wash with faint traces of red paint are still present, a reminder that not all interiors at the time were bare stone. Indeed, many churches were full of colour. Stretching further back into antiquity, we know that Greek and Roman statues were also painted.
The abbey, built in the Early English architectural style, has lancet windows, pointed arches, and the remains of rib-vaulted ceilings, all characteristic features of this period. Bayham Old Abbey is an interesting place, quietly tucked away off the beaten track.
Author: Jeremy Fazzalaro
Photos: Belong to author
jfheritage.co.uk 