Editing Coombe Abbey (section)

==Early history as an abbey==
During the 12th century, the building was known as the Abbey of Cumbe, and was the largest and most influential monastery in [[Warwickshire]].<ref>Coombe Abbey Hotel website. [http://www.coombeabbey.com/our-history/ Online reference]</ref> The land was given to the [[Cistercian monks]] by Richard de Camville, of Didleton Castle. They accepted the gift, and sent out an advance party of monks, who, living in temporary wooden buildings, began the building of a monastery dedicated to the [[Blessed Virgin]].  Among these monks was one called Martin who was to be the first Abbot of the new House which opened in 1150.<ref>Motkin, D. L. 1961 “The Story of Coombe Abbey”. [http://www.coventry-walks.org.uk/coombe/ca-ch1.html Online reference]</ref> It was the fifth [[Dependency (religion)|daughter house]] of [[Waverley Abbey]].

Numerous gifts of land were made to the monks during the four hundred years of their occupation and they owned land in many counties. In 1470 [[Edward IV of England|King Edward IV]] visited the Abbey. He was on his way from [[Leicester]] to [[Coventry]], pursuing his enemy the [[Earl of Warwick]] in the [[Wars of the Roses]] and he rested awhile at Coombe.<ref>Motkin, D. L. 1961 "The Story of Coombe Abbey" "Monks Murder and Theft". [http://www.coventry-walks.org.uk/coombe/ca-ch2.html Online reference]</ref>

The monastery was well known for its generosity in distributing gifts to the poor. Every [[Maundy Thursday]], money, ten quarters of rye bread, three quarters of malt beer and 300 herrings were given to the poor at the abbey gate.

In 1539, the abbey was suppressed as part of the [[Dissolution of the Monasteries|dissolution of monasteries]] under [[Henry VIII of England|Henry VIII]]. Since then numerous alterations and additions have been made over the centuries. However, parts of the abbey have been preserved and can still be seen in the present building.<ref>Warwickshire County Council website. [http://timetrail.warwickshire.gov.uk/detail.aspx?monuid=WA3739 Online reference]</ref> The [[cloister]] lay to the north of the (now demolished) church and its garth forms the present courtyard. Parts of the 15th century cloister arcades survive on the north and west sides.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last=Coppack |first=Glyn |title=The Cistercian Abbeys of Britain |publisher=Batsford |year=1998 |editor-last=Robinson |editor-first=David |location=London |pages=89-90}}</ref> The lower part of the east range of buildings also remains, including the fine doorway and flanking windows of the chapter house, dated to the 1180s.<ref name=":0" />