In the garden of the Abbey there is a very small, Gothick gazebo. It has the date 1829 inscribed above the door and it was built by the Longuet Higgens family.
This inscription runs around the four beams inside :
The Abbey is dated 1605 on the side facing the road and 1608 on the garden facing side. It underwent considerable additions in 1855 and also in 1860.
O Lord of hosts; that man is blest
And happy sure is he
That is persuaded in his breast
To trust all times in thee
There is a fine chimney piece from the time on Henry VI in one room and a similarly remarkable chimney in the drawing room which dates from the time of James I.
The Turvey Abbey Scrapbook
Various speculations
Attempted educations
By graphic illustrations
And several observations
On historic delineations
With private communications
And other examinations
Of minor considerations
Hope for remunerations
(For their supererogations)
From friendly approbations
In the 1830's Charles Higgins compiled what he called 'The Turvey Abbey Scrapbook' - a large collections of his opinions, observations and illustrations. The rather clever poem on the right is his description of the contents!
This remarkable collection can be seen in facsimile in the Bedford Record Office.
Particularly of interest are the beautiful sketches that Charles did of his servants and villagers - plus detailed biographies or their lives and families.
There are also maps, field rental information and all sorts of trivia on the village and its surrounds. I have included many quotes throughout these web pages .
A fine painting of the abbey as it looked in its hey-day.
I will be adding more about this historical old building soon.
For details of the abbey's current occupants!
Find out about the people who worked for Charles Higgins.
