Guided Heritage Walking Tour

St Osyth Abbey (originally and still commonly known as St Osyth Priory) was a house of Augustinian canons
in the parish of St Osyth (then named Chich) in Essex, England in use from the 12th to 16th centuries. Prior
to the Reformation, it was the third wealthiest abbey in the country. After falling into private ownership by the
Darcy family following the reformation, the abbey was severely damaged in the English Civil War, and the
house and 6,800-acre estate was owned privately throughout its history.

The house was requisitioned during the Second World War and then sold in 1948 to the Loyal and Ancient Order
of Shepherds who founded a convalescent home here. Five parts of the priory are Grade I listed buildings. In
1954 Mr Somerset de Chair, a popular novelist and MP, purchased the property, allowing the convalescent home
to remain in the main building for many years (closed 1980), and converting the Gatehouse into a separate
residence. De Chair developed the gardens and opened the property to the public. On de Chair’s death in 1995 the property was put up for sale by his widow, and it was eventually purchased by the present owners, the Sargeant family, in 1999. It is part of the Historic Houses
Association but is privately owned by the Sargeant family.

Timings & Tours

Sunday 21 September:

10:30

Location & directions

St Osyth Priory, West Field Lane, what3words ///instilled.youth.beefed, St. Osyth, Essex, CO16 8GW

Directions:

Cross the crossroads onto The Bury. Continue to Mill Street; you will see the Priory Gatehouse on your right. Turn right onto West Field Land Housing Estate. The gates will open automatically. The road bends to the left but continue straight on towards the red brick tower. At the tower turn right and follow the road around as sign posted to the car park.

Contact on day:

Chyanne Payne

Telephone number:

+447770711873

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking required

Booking conditions:

There are no toilets on site for visitors but Public conveniences are located in Church Square just across the road for The Bury. Please note that the paths are gravel and may be uneven in places, the tour includes approx. 1.5 hours of walking, therefore tours may not be suitable for those with mobility issues. If you are unsure, please discuss your needs before purchasing a ticket. An email will be sent to the address used to make the booking in the event the tour is cancelled.

Booking contact name:

St Osyth Priory And Parish Trust Community Engagement Officer

Booking telephone number:

+441255411747

Booking email:

[email protected]

Booking website:

https://www.tickettailor.com/events/stosythprioryparishtrust/1821431

Alternative booking website:

https://www.prioryeducationcentre.co.uk/

Accessibility details

Approx. 1.5 hrs walking – gravel paths may not suit all mobility levels If unsure, please contact us before booking.

Additional information

Max no of people per tour:

20

Est. tour duration:

1 hour(s) 30 minute(s)

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