Minster Abbey, Isle of Sheppey, Kent
Visited April 2017
Minster Abbey, also known as the Abbey Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Sexburgha (to use its full name!) was founded in 664AD on the highest spot on Sheppey. The building has changed over the years, of course, having been partly rebuilt in the 11th century and then rebuilt as 2 adjoining churches in the 12th century (one for the nuns of the Priory, one for the parishioners). These are now one space, with the division marked by a row of arches down the length of the building. Despite further restoration by the Victorians, the church contains some wonderful examples of Norman architecture, and shouldn't be missed should you find yourself on Sheppey.
Much of the graveyard has been lost to landscaping and encroaching buildings, which have also covered up some of the sacred wells of the Priory. There are, however, some wonderful 17th and 18th century gravestones, complete with skulls and other memento mori symbols, to be found in particular around the walls. Inside the church are memorials, including a number showing late Medieval armour - effigy tombs of knights, as well as well-preserved memorial brasses set into the floor of the central aisle. Just a shame they don't photograph well!
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