Abbey Barn • Abbotsbury

It dates to the 14^th century and gives some clue as to how much the monastery complex must have dominated the landscape here. Half of it was de-roofed in the mid-17^th century, but the structure is still impressive. It is now Grade I listed and a Scheduled Ancient Monument. If you walk to the end of the roofless section and peer through the doorway, you can see the Abbey dovecote. In fact, walk anywhere around here you will see remnants of the abbey farm complex. The diary, the fishponds, the mill… It was a hive of medieval activity.

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GRID REF: SY 57769 85029

Gold Hill • Shaftsbury

Gold Hill is well known for its appearance in a famous advert in the 1970s, but this historic street has older tales to tell.

It is said to be haunted by men and a pack horse, tasked with bringing the body of an English King to Shaftsbury Abbey.

King Edward 'The Martyr' was murdered at Corfe Castle in the year 978. Initially his body was taken to the Dorset town of Wareham, where he lay for a year before being brought to Shaftsbury.

It is thought that the spectral funeral party is the final journey of the King.

He was finally laid to rest in the Abbey of Benedictine nuns, which sits as the top of the steep hill. 

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GRID REF: ST 86272 22915