Shaftesbury Abbey church

Historically famous for being the first women only abbey, its full title is the Abbey Church of St Mary and St Edward, King and Martyr.

Founded in AD888 by King Alfred, his daughter, Aethelgifu, was appointed the first Abbess (female abbot).

Over the centuries the abbey prospered eventually owning huge estates in the south west.

There is a shrine here to the Saxon King Edward the Martyr and King Canute died here in 1035.

Henry VIII closed the abbey in 1539 forcing the nuns to vacate. The once grand abbey was soon put to ruin.

A lovely spot with a very interesting museum. Entry free, donations welcome.