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The Buckland Abbey - Yelverton, Devon

The Buckland Abbey near Yelverton in Devon is an old monastery that has also been the home to famous sailors Grenville and Francis Drake.

The Abbey which was founded in 1278 was the home to the Cistercian monks, who lived here in peace and seclusion until Henry VIII changed everything by dissolving the monastery. Henry VIII then sold the Abbey to Sir Richard Grenville who along with his son converted it to a residence. In 1581 the abbey was eventually sold to Sir Francis Drake the famous English sea captain, navigator and pirate :) Yes he was a hero to the English but a dreaded pirate to the Spanish. He is most famous for leading the first English circumnavigation of the world, from 1577 to 1580.

Francis Drake and his descendants lived in the Abbey until 1946 when they sold it to a local landowner - Arthur Rodd who later donated it to the National Trust. It is now open to the public.

The Abbey has estate walks that offer lovely views of the Abbey and the surroundings.


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