Minster Abbey - Thanet Tourist Attractions - English Abbeys

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Minster Abbey - Thanet Tourist Attractions - English Abbeys

Minster in Thanet is the location of an ancient abbey, and one of the countries first nunneries, founded by Domneva in about AD 670.

Domneva was the religious name of Princess Ermenburga and she founded the nunnery on land given to her by her uncle King Egbert, it is said, in remorse for the killing of her brothers Ethelbert and Ethelred, by one of his men, the thane, Thunor.

The Abbey was later raided and sacked by the Danes and fell into disrepair. In the 11^th century its lands became part of the estate of St. Augustine’s Abbey in Canterbury.

William the Conqueror in part refurbished the priory and church but more substantial rebuilding was carried out by Archbishop de Corbeuil, who rebuilt the church and priory.

With the Reformation the buildings became a farmhouse and remained as such until 1937 when they were purchased by an order of Roman Catholic Nuns who returned them to monastic use and added a new chapel.

Tour Hours

Monday to Friday from 2:45 p.m. until 4 p.m.,
(1st May to 30th September only)
Saturday mornings from 11 a.m. until 12:00 noon (Throughout the year)
Tours can also be arranged by appointment, by ringing Sr. Benedict at 01843 821254

The site is open for one guided tour a day and you should phone 01843 821 254 for further details or visit www.minsterabbeynuns.org.

The Benedictine Nuns of St Mildred's Priory
Minster Abbey,
Minster-in-Thanet, Nr Ramsgate,
Kent, UK

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