Combwell
Title
Combwell
Also Known As
Cumbwell, Cymwyllan
Dates
Founded 12th c.; Augustinian from ca. 1220; dissolved 16th c.
Dedication
Mary Magdalene
Medieval Diocese
Circary
History
Robert de Thurnham (father of the founder of Brockley Abbey) founded a Premonstratensian abbey at Combwell in the 12th century. It appears that the community's endowment was too small to maintain it as an abbey and in the early thirteenth century it was reduced to the status of a priory.
From ca. 1220, Combwell was an Augustinian house. Following the Reformation, the property passed into private hands, and a later manor house now stands on the site.
From ca. 1220, Combwell was an Augustinian house. Following the Reformation, the property passed into private hands, and a later manor house now stands on the site.
Status
Abbey, later priory
Reference
Bibliography
“Charters of Cumbwell Priory.” Archaeologia Cantiana 8 (1872): 271–93. https://kentarchaeology.org.uk/node/9501.
“Charters of Cumbwell Priory, Part 1. With a Pedigree of the Gatton Family.” Archaeologia Cantiana 5 (1863): 194–222. https://kentarchaeology.org.uk/node/9428.
“Charters of Cumbwell Priory. Part II.” Archaeologia Cantiana 6 (1866): 190–222. https://kentarchaeology.org.uk/node/9452.
Image Credit
Engraving of Combwell Priory, ca. 1809. Wikimedia.
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Files
Collection
Citation
“Combwell,” A Premonstratensian Atlas, accessed October 16, 2026, https://yvonneseale.org/atlas/items/show/260.