Launde Abbey

Heritage SIte in Leicestershire Harborough

England

Launde Abbey

Launde Upper Reservoir The highest of a series of three small reservoirs below Launde Abbey. Apparently they were originally fishponds for the Abbey. They are now badly affected by algae, probably due to the runoff from the Abbey&#039;s septic tank just above the top pond. — Launde Upper Reservoir Credit: Stephen Craven

Launde Abbey is a historic site located in the county of Leicestershire, England. Situated in a picturesque and serene setting of over 450 acres of parkland and woodland, the abbey boasts a rich history that dates back to the 12th century.

Originally founded as a monastic house in 1119, Launde Abbey was a priory for Augustinian canons until the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century. Following its dissolution, the abbey and its lands were granted to Sir Thomas Chaloner, who converted it into a grand manor house.

Today, Launde Abbey serves as a retreat and conference center, offering a peaceful and contemplative environment for visitors. The site features a stunning medieval chapel, which still retains its original features, including beautiful stained glass windows and a magnificent timber roof. The chapel provides a tranquil space for prayer and worship, attracting both locals and tourists alike.

In addition to its spiritual offerings, Launde Abbey is also renowned for its natural beauty. The extensive grounds are home to diverse wildlife and offer numerous walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the idyllic countryside. The abbey's gardens, meticulously maintained, provide a colorful and fragrant oasis for relaxation and reflection.

Launde Abbey's rich history and tranquil surroundings make it a popular destination for those seeking a retreat from the hustle and bustle of modern life, as well as history enthusiasts and nature lovers. Whether one is interested in exploring the abbey's medieval past, engaging in spiritual practices, or simply enjoying the natural beauty of the surroundings, Launde Abbey offers a unique and enriching experience for all who visit.

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Launde Abbey Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 52.631824/-0.82539601 or Grid Reference SK7904. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Launde Upper Reservoir The highest of a series of three small reservoirs below Launde Abbey. Apparently they were originally fishponds for the Abbey. They are now badly affected by algae, probably due to the runoff from the Abbey&#039;s septic tank just above the top pond.

Launde Upper Reservoir

The highest of a series of three small reservoirs below Launde Abbey. Apparently they were originally fishponds for the Abbey. They are now badly affected by algae, probably due to the runoff from the Abbey's septic tank just above the top pond.

Launde Upper Reservoir - drawoff A drawoff valve tower and footbridge. For context, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2552269">SK7904 : Launde Upper Reservoir</a>.

Launde Upper Reservoir - drawoff

A drawoff valve tower and footbridge. For context, see SK7904 : Launde Upper Reservoir.

Launde Upper Reservoir - overflow The overflow consists of a stone-surfaced dip in the crest of the earth embankment. For context, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2552269">SK7904 : Launde Upper Reservoir</a>.

Launde Upper Reservoir - overflow

The overflow consists of a stone-surfaced dip in the crest of the earth embankment. For context, see SK7904 : Launde Upper Reservoir.

Launde Middle Reservoir The middle of a series of three small reservoirs below Launde Abbey. Apparently they were originally fishponds for the Abbey. They are now badly affected by algae, probably due to the runoff from the Abbey&#039;s septic tank just above the top pond.

This view is from the earth embankment of the upper reservoir <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2552285">SK7904 : Launde Upper Reservoir - overflow</a>.

Launde Middle Reservoir

The middle of a series of three small reservoirs below Launde Abbey. Apparently they were originally fishponds for the Abbey. They are now badly affected by algae, probably due to the runoff from the Abbey's septic tank just above the top pond. This view is from the earth embankment of the upper reservoir SK7904 : Launde Upper Reservoir - overflow.

Ice House at Launde Abbey The brick-built ice house is no longer in use, but is situated adjacent to the upper reservoir <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2552269">SK7904 : Launde Upper Reservoir</a> from which ice would have been taken in winter.

It is listed grade 2 (list entry number 1177990).

Ice House at Launde Abbey

The brick-built ice house is no longer in use, but is situated adjacent to the upper reservoir SK7904 : Launde Upper Reservoir from which ice would have been taken in winter. It is listed grade 2 (list entry number 1177990).

Launde Abbey, front The present house is built on the site of a medieval abbey, but is in fact a 17th century manor house with 19th century additions. It is listed grade 2* (list entry number 1074857). It is now used as an Anglican retreat centre.

Since the first Geograph was submitted for this square in 2005 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/46027">SK7904 : Launde Abbey, near Loddington, Leicestershire</a>, the house has undergone extensive refurbishment (reopened in January 2011 by the Prince of Wales) with a new entrance and carpark on the south side, so the hardstanding in front of it is now longer used as a car park. Sheep continue to graze the field in front of the abbey.

Launde Abbey, front

The present house is built on the site of a medieval abbey, but is in fact a 17th century manor house with 19th century additions. It is listed grade 2* (list entry number 1074857). It is now used as an Anglican retreat centre. Since the first Geograph was submitted for this square in 2005 SK7904 : Launde Abbey, near Loddington, Leicestershire, the house has undergone extensive refurbishment (reopened in January 2011 by the Prince of Wales) with a new entrance and carpark on the south side, so the hardstanding in front of it is now longer used as a car park. Sheep continue to graze the field in front of the abbey.

Launde Abbey, front with pond The present house is built on the site of a medieval abbey, but is in fact a 17th century manor house with 19th century additions. It is listed grade 2* (list entry number 1074857). It is now used as an Anglican retreat centre.

Since the first Geograph was submitted for this square in 2005 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/46027">SK7904 : Launde Abbey, near Loddington, Leicestershire</a>, the retreat house has undergone extensive refurbishment (reopened in January 2011 by the Prince of Wales) with a new entrance and carpark on the south side, so the hardstanding in front of it is now longer used as a car park.

This view is shortly before sunset and includes a pond in the middle distance.

Launde Abbey, front with pond

The present house is built on the site of a medieval abbey, but is in fact a 17th century manor house with 19th century additions. It is listed grade 2* (list entry number 1074857). It is now used as an Anglican retreat centre. Since the first Geograph was submitted for this square in 2005 SK7904 : Launde Abbey, near Loddington, Leicestershire, the retreat house has undergone extensive refurbishment (reopened in January 2011 by the Prince of Wales) with a new entrance and carpark on the south side, so the hardstanding in front of it is now longer used as a car park. This view is shortly before sunset and includes a pond in the middle distance.

Launde Abbey, pond A pond adjacent to the public road through the grounds of Launde Abbey retreat house.

Launde Abbey, pond

A pond adjacent to the public road through the grounds of Launde Abbey retreat house.

Cyclists passing Launde Abbey Three cyclists on the public road through the grounds of the retreat house.

Cyclists passing Launde Abbey

Three cyclists on the public road through the grounds of the retreat house.

Signpost outside Launde Abbey The sign points three ways: to Withcote and Brunston (left), Loddington and East Norton (right), and Owston and Halstead (towards the camera). The road beyond is the private drive to Launde Abbey.

Signpost outside Launde Abbey

The sign points three ways: to Withcote and Brunston (left), Loddington and East Norton (right), and Owston and Halstead (towards the camera). The road beyond is the private drive to Launde Abbey.

Abbey Farm The farm, seen here in evening light, is named after nearby Launde Abbey.

Abbey Farm

The farm, seen here in evening light, is named after nearby Launde Abbey.

Roadsigns on a hill A pair of signs on a country road near Owston, warning of slippery road conditions and soft verges. A dangerous combination!

Roadsigns on a hill

A pair of signs on a country road near Owston, warning of slippery road conditions and soft verges. A dangerous combination!

Footbridge at dusk The footbridge takes a public footpath over the River Chater.

Footbridge at dusk

The footbridge takes a public footpath over the River Chater.

Abbey Farm - outbuildings (1) These buildings are several hundred metres from the farmhouse <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2552324">SK7904 : Abbey Farm</a>.

Abbey Farm - outbuildings (1)

These buildings are several hundred metres from the farmhouse SK7904 : Abbey Farm.

Abbey Farm - outbuildings (2) These buildings are several hundred metres from the farmhouse <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2552324">SK7904 : Abbey Farm</a>.

Abbey Farm - outbuildings (2)

These buildings are several hundred metres from the farmhouse SK7904 : Abbey Farm.

Abbey Farm - hay bales awaiting collection Bales of hay in a field on a summer evening, about to be taken to the nearby barn <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2552371">SK7804 : Abbey Farm - outbuildings (2)</a>.

Abbey Farm - hay bales awaiting collection

Bales of hay in a field on a summer evening, about to be taken to the nearby barn SK7804 : Abbey Farm - outbuildings (2).

Abbey Farm - hay bales being collected Bales of hay in a field on a summer evening, about to be taken to the nearby barn <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2552371">SK7804 : Abbey Farm - outbuildings (2)</a>.

Abbey Farm - hay bales being collected

Bales of hay in a field on a summer evening, about to be taken to the nearby barn SK7804 : Abbey Farm - outbuildings (2).

Abbey Farm - bringing in the hay A tractor struggles up the hill with a load of bales of hay being taken to the barn <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2552371">SK7804 : Abbey Farm - outbuildings (2)</a>.

Abbey Farm - bringing in the hay

A tractor struggles up the hill with a load of bales of hay being taken to the barn SK7804 : Abbey Farm - outbuildings (2).

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Launde Abbey is located at Grid Ref: SK7904 (Lat: 52.631824, Lng: -0.82539601)

Administrative County: Leicestershire

District: Harborough

Police Authority: Leicestershire

What 3 Words

///heaven.ferrets.crash. Near Ridlington, Rutland

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 52.631824,-0.82539601

Barrier: cattle_grid

Lat/Long: 52.631922/-0.8252992

Conference Centre

Launde Abbey

Wikidata: Q6498468

Wikipedia: en:Launde Abbey

Lat/Long: 52.6311727/-0.8233218

Barrier: cattle_grid

Lat/Long: 52.6329728/-0.8284757

Launde Abbey

Place: locality

Lat/Long: 52.6312399/-0.8242959

Barrier: stile

Lat/Long: 52.6320776/-0.8252259

Cafe

Launde Abbey Retreat House And Conference Centre

Addr City: Leicester

Addr Country: GB

Addr Housename: Launde Abbey

Addr Postcode: LE7 9XB

Addr Street: Launde Road

Addr Village: Launde

Fhrs Authority: Harborough

Fhrs Id: 355178

Fhrs Local Authority Id: 08600/2014/2/000

Lat/Long: 52.6308634/-0.823122

Barrier: cattle_grid

Lat/Long: 52.6306154/-0.8237049

Abbey Farm

Place: farm

Lat/Long: 52.6334666/-0.8294073

Barrier: cattle_grid

Lat/Long: 52.6299902/-0.8241032

Barrier: cattle_grid

Lat/Long: 52.6331345/-0.8206289

The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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