Milton Abbey

People have been worshiping in this beautiful place for over a thousand years. The church dates back to the 13th century and there is a real feeling of tranquility and spirituality here standing on the bank of the River Stour.

The church stands among the trees on the bank of the River Frome. Beyond are peaceful meadows and the rush of the water. There would have been a stone built church here in Saxon times, probably before 787 AD. In that year the Danes came in from the sea, raiding these parts, and burning the Saxon churches.

Outside the curtain wall of his 12th century castle, Bishop Roger of Salisbury built a Norman church, dedicated to St Mary Magdalene. This building was for the use of his tenants and retainers who, drawn into a close colony outside the Castle walls, formed what was to become some hundred years later the Borough of Castleton.