Beeleigh Abbey was constructed in 1180 for the White Canons otherwise known as the Norbertine. The order interestingly linked together the change of the seperate life of monks in the 12th century to the retrospective life of the friar who was considerably more active.

In 1540 Henry VIII granted the Abbey and lands to Sir John Gate, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster. 30 years after the land was given away there was an amazing extension added to the Abbey of a beautiful farmhouse. Henry VIII (28 June 1491 – 28 January 1547) was King of England and Lord of Ireland (later King of Ireland) from 22 April 1509 until his death. ...

Unfortunatly because Beeleigh Abbey is not open to the public all that can be seen are the roofs of the resilliant Medieval buildings from a public footpath that runs down market hill and ends follows the river crouch.