Merevale

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Merevale is a hamlet and civil parish in the North Warwickshire district of the county of Warwickshire in England. Located about one and a half miles west of Atherstone, it is the site of a medieval Cistercian Abbey (founded in 1148) and Merevale Hall, (built in 1840 and home to the Dugdale family].

[edit] Merevale Abbey

The abbey of Merevale itself was dissolved during the reign of Henry VIII and fell into ruin, but some traces of it still remain to the present day. One of the most significant parts of the abbey to have survived is the Gate Chapel, which is now used as the parish church. The church is significant for its Cistercian stained glass, including its famous Jesse window (one of the most important in the British Isles), and for being the only Cistercian Gate Chapel to be open for regular weekly services throughout the year.

[edit] Merevale Hall

Designed by Edward Blore, Merevale Hall was completed in 1840 and has been the home of the descendants of Sir William Dugdale since this time. Dugdale was a strong royalist supporter of King Charles I during the English Civil War, and was appointed as his 'Garter Principal King of Arms'. Many of his artefacts, including ceremonial clothes, can be seen at the hall. See article Merevale Hall.