Community Digs

The Search for Hyde Abbey

In 1539, the Abbey was surrendered to Henry VIII’s commissioners as part of the king’s programme to dissolve the monasteries. The Hyde Abbey monks were pensioned off, its treasures were destroyed or dispersed and the buildings were reduced to rubble.

All that remains of the Abbey today are the stone gateway, an arch that used to span the abbey millstream and the church built for the pilgrims and lay-brothers, now the nave and chancel of St Bartholomew’s Parish Church.

Hyde900 is in the privileged position of having a number of prized sites for excavation on our doorstep and since 2016, has undertaken test-pit excavations in local gardens which have added significantly to the knowledge and understanding of the Abbey establishment. As more evidence comes to light, the interpretation changes, new questions are raised and the search continues!