Abbey Hill ~ Site of a Druid Temple in Grimsby
Abbey Hill in Grimsby Lincolnshire was originally a site of pagan worship !
We’re putting together as much information on it as possible - here’s what we’ve got so far
Abbey Hill was man-made by early Britons and formed part of a very impressive array of hills in Grimsby.
The original name is something I cannot ascertain but Abbey comes much later in the day as it was chosen for the site of The Abbey of Wellow.
It was common practise for Christianity to reuse pagan sites, presumably very much for practical purposes if nothing else.
It was already a good spot hence its choice in the first place, secondly it was already a place accepted for worship by newly converted pagans.
Monumental Antiquities of Great Grimsby claims that the pagan temple at the summit was a place of worship for pre Christian Britons and that it was marked by a circle of unhewn stones with an elevated one in the centre.
These stones were subsequently used as part of the foundations for the Monastery of Wellow.
Although supposition they claim ‘evidence’ for this in the form of stones unearthed by workmen and also signs of a pagan burial ground.
The Abbey graveyard was on the east side but gravel diggers unearthed a grave on the south side with all the hallmarks of a pagan burial.
They also quote Roland’s Mona Antiqua:
Here dwelt the Druids, in huts, of unbuilt stone
It all sounds pretty likely to me.
This article will expand as more information is added about all the phases of the hills history as well as any relevant maps and images we can obtain.
If you know of anything pertaining to Abbey Hill or just have something to say then please do leave a comment - many thanks
All the best
Rod
Please see also the related articles on
Toote Hill ~ Holm Hill ~ Abbey Hill ~ Cun Hu ~ Sand Hill ~ Ellyll ~ Spittal ~ Chapel Hill ~ Mill Hill
Amiguru said,
December 19, 2009 @ 8:33 pm
Rod,
I’ll kick off with this link as it is relevant and factual but also immediately spices things up for the ghost hunters among us.
Keith will be happy too as it mentions the fact that the later building became the RAFA HQ. 
And Rod, look at the posters name……Templar!!!
http://www.qype.co.uk/place/166201-Wellow-Abbey-Grimsby
Monkeying about,
le
N
Amiguru said,
December 20, 2009 @ 12:14 pm
Rod,
E-images sent.
Regards,
le
N
Amiguru said,
January 12, 2010 @ 8:40 pm
Rod,
Extract from the Rolls & Register of Bishop Oliver Sutton 1280-1299. ‘……troublesome members of religious orders, [were] forced to take the lowest place in chapel, refectory and chapter-house………Thomas of Wallingford……made such a nuisance of himself to his fellows that they ‘thought his manners and behaviour unendurable’. [Bishop] Sutton exiled him first to Wellow near Grimsby, (a cold place after the gentle Thames valley) and thence to Bourne where he seems to have mended his ways.‘
How about this: ‘‘…..a visitation of Wellow Abbey in 1287. The house was found to be in financial difficulties, due partly to the murrain,[a disease of sheep and cattle,] and partly to inefficient administration, while quarrels among the bretheren were exacerbated by the unlawful entry of gossiping women into the precincts and by the indiscretions of the abbot’s servant, Alan ‘commonly named “Girl” because he is too free with his tongue’!!!
Holier than thou
le
N
Rod said,
January 13, 2010 @ 9:10 am
Neville,
now that really is ‘pure gravy’ !
It’s got eveything, signs of the time, social history, humour and scandal
Sheep and Cattle diseases in the brethren is a thought to grapple with
Fabulous
Rod
Amiguru said,
January 28, 2010 @ 7:56 pm
Rod,
Another e-mail is winging its way……together with the Abbot’s leg!
Regards,
le
N