This past weekend, I spoke to my local chapter of the Jane Austen Society of North America about the inspiration and research for my latest novel, Shadows of Swanford Abbey. Today, I thought I’d share a portion of that information here as well.
In writing a novel set in a former Medieval Abbey, I had to research the history of abbeys in general and along the way learned why there are so many ruined abbeys in England. Ruins like these can seem romantic but their history is less so.
Abbey History (in general)
I am not a historian but here’s a recap of what I learned: After the pope refused to annul Henry the 8th’s marriage so he could marry Anne Boleyn, Henry broke away from the Catholic Church in Rome, and declared himself head of the Church of England. He began taking over and sometimes destroying monasteries both to claim their wealth and to suppress opposition. Between 1536 and 1540, some 800 monasteries, abbeys, nunneries, and friaries were dissolved, or forcibly closed. These had been home to more than 10,000 monks, nuns, friars and canons. Some former monasteries were sold off to landowners or granted as rewards for loyal service to the crown. Others were taken over and became Anglican churches, such as Durham Cathedral. Many were left to ruin. Some monks who resisted were executed, while those who surrendered retired or moved to the continent.
Lacock Abbey History
The Swanford Abbey in the novel is a fictional place but its history and structure closely parallels that of Lacock Abbey, which was founded by Lady Ela, Countess of Salisbury, and a wealthy heiress in her right. When her husband died when Ela was only 39, she took over his role of Sheriff of Wiltshire. She later founded and built the abbey partly as a tribute to her husband, and partly as a sanctuary. Ela joined Lacock Abbey as a nun in 1238.
Like the others, Lacock Abbey closed in 1539 as part of the Dissolution of the Monasteries. The church portion (nave, quire, altar) was knocked down and the stone was used to extend the building into the grand country house it later became. The house was primarily built over and around the original abbey, so you can still see the ancient cloisters, chaplain’s room, charter house, warming house, etc. that were primarily left intact unlike the church itself.
Even though Lacock Abbey has had a long and sometimes difficult history, it is still a beautiful place. After hundreds of years as a private home, it is now managed by the National Trust and is definitely worth a visit—either via photos like these online, or by visiting in person if you are able. I was able to visit a few times, and experiencing the atmospheric abbey for myself, and later reading more about it, helped to inspire the setting of the novel.
Even though I write fiction, I sincerely enjoy learning about history and weaving historical detail into my novels. Do you enjoy learning through fiction as well?
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I really enjoyed “Shadows,” Julie. You described the Abbey so well that I felt the atmosphere of the place. And I always love a who-done-it.
Thank you so much, Lynn!
About a decade or so ago, I went on a Tudors kick. I read novel after novel and lots of non-fiction about the Tudors. I watched all the movies (like The Other Boleyn Girl) and all of the documentaries that I could find. So I knew the history of the abbeys, et al. Harsh. Of course, when Henry’s daughter Mary came to the throne, she paid it back the other direction.
Anyway, I love all your pictures. Love the house built around the abbey. Such a great setting for a novel.
I did the same thing, Robin. Read everything about Henry VIII – not a nice man but definitely used his power. And Bloody Mary did the same.
Thank you, Robin!
I love to learn about history through fiction. Especially if it is Christian fiction. I usually learn about something I can change in my own life or enhances what I know.
Glad to hear it, Lori.
This is why I read historical fiction. I learn so much, and it sends me searching for more facts. I recently finished Swanford Abbey and loved the descriptions.
Henry VIII was not a nice man, but neither were many of the kings through the years. Lots of conflict between church and kings, Catholics and Protestants. I have read many historical fiction books set in those periods that highlighted the cruelty on both sides. I would love to visit churches/cathedrals and castles in England, but have only been able to spend one afternoon and night in London on a trip back to the states. We were fortunate to live on the island of Cyprus for 28 months and explored its many castles, abbeys, and mosaic ruins. Saw the chapel where Richard I married Berengaria in 1191 – very interesting story there.
Sounds fascinating, Betty. Thanks for your reply.
Thank you for sharing this interesting information, Julie. I did not know that so many abbeys, etc., were closed and altered during that time period. I’m glad for what remains of the history and how it stirs the imagination of an author…like you 💛.
Lacock Abbey is beautiful and its history is fascinating. (Sheriff Ela!😀)
The photos you shared made my getaway to and experience in Shadows of Swanford Abbey even more enjoyable as I could better picture where I was visiting in the pages of your wonderful mystery.
You are welcome, Laura. So glad you enjoyed the book!
Great info! Yes, I enjoy learning historical info through fiction, and really appreciate your hard work! Swanford Abbey was wonderful to read!! I have pre-ordered and look forward to your next book that comes out in the fall.
Thank you so much, Denise!
Thanks for the history – so sad, yet fascinating. I love learning as I read, understanding life & history through story is my favorite teacher.
I love that, Lyn. Thank you for stopping by.
I LOVE learning through fiction and found this blog post fascinating! What a great setting for a book. 🙂
I’m smack in the middle of Swanford Abbey and loving it, Julie! I did think of Lacock but am glad that you verified the connection. The pictures of the old abbeys that are crumbling are somewhat heartbreaking. I always think of all the lives destroyed just because of Henry’s arrogance. Even so, they are still amazing structures…thanks for sharing a little background with us.
I love learning more about history through fiction.
When my husband and I were in England on our honeymoon, we visited lots of historic sites. My husband is a history purist and trained as a lawyer so looks at history from that perspective. I read historical fiction and surprised him with my understanding of historical events I understood from my reading. 😂 Needless to say he was very skeptical at first but eventually had to believe I knew what I was talking about.
I loved this post! Thank you!