History Society at Combermere

A group from Audlem District History Society had a most enjoyable visit to Combermere Abbey and Gardens on Wednesday.

Our extremely knowledgeable guide took us on a tour of the Abbey charting its history from when it was endowed by Hugh de Malbank in 1135 and converted to a Cistercian order in 1147.

Troubled times over several centuries meant that the Combermere estate was granted to Sir George Cotton in 1539 and inherited by Stapleton Cotton in 1809.

In 1919 the estate was bought by Sir Kenneth Crossley and passed to Sarah Callander Beckett in 1992 who has initiated a much needed programme of restoration which is still ongoing.

The Abbey is now one of only a few privately owned Grade 1 listed buildings and boasts luxury holiday cottages and a wedding venue.

The tour concluded with refreshments and an opportunity to view the beautiful gardens especially the world's only fruit tree maze – a very pleasant way to round off the afternoon.

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