Sherborne Abbey

For many, known as the ‘Cathedral of Dorset’ Founded by St. Aldhelm in AD 705, Sherborne Abbey has developed from a Saxon cathedral to one of England’s most beautiful parish churches. The abbey is a Grade I listed building. It has several distinct architectural styles throughout and well worth a visit.

This extraordinary church displays numerous styles of architecture, thanks to its exceptionally long history. Founded in 705 AD, the building has Saxon and Norman heritage but much of what you see today is the result of an extensive rebuild during the 15th century.

Today the 'abbey' is a church, but it was once a cathedral and then an abbey.

The Abbey Church of St Mary the Virgin at Sherborne in the English county of Dorset, is usually called Sherborne Abbey. It has been a Saxon cathedral (705–1075), a Benedictine abbey (998–1539), and now, a parish church.