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Denny Abbey

Landbeach

Cambridgeshire

Benedictine abbey church remains c.1150

Architectural Features

later C12

C13 additions by Knights Templars.

Converted to Franciscan nunnery in C14 by the Countess of Pembroke , and farmhouse after the Dissolution with further C18 and C19 alterations.

excavations within the building revealed the late C12 south aisle.

C16 red brick and brick repairs, C19 gault brick eaves cornice, walls originally plastered.

Plain tile roofs.

The east facade shows clearly the blocked chancel arch and ambulatory arches of the original church superimposed to the north by the attached shafts of the C14 church of the Franciscan nuns demolished at the Dissolution.

The nave and transepts of the original cruciform church survive to eaves height with the addition of one bay and a south aisle and clerestorey by the Knights Templars c.1170, the clerestorey windows are now blocked or partly uncovered.

The south aisle was demolished for the later C13 Templar infirmary which included a small C13 room to the south west.

Alterations to the church and infirmary c.1342 when converted to the domestic quarters of the Countess of Pembroke

the Franciscan nuns included the demolition of the C12 chancel, the insertion of a first floor and stair cases, the blocking of the C12 crossing arches, new openings at both floor levels, and chimneys.

In the C16 the gable wall of the south transept was rebuilt in red brick with a large stack and hearths at both floor levels.

Displayed in the building are medieval floor tiles and carved stone details.

The building is Crown Property and is a scheduled Ancient Monument.