r, under which probably one of the
abbots was interred. The view of the abbey as it appeared about the year
1712, according to Sir R. Atkyns's print, exhibits traces of the ancient
residence of the abbot and monks, respecting which the Rev. T. Rudge
remarks--"It was low, but long in front, being 60 feet in length, 25 feet
wide, and only 14 high; the whole arched with stone, and the vault
intersected with plain and massy ribs, and seems to have formed the
refectory. The first floor contained a long gallery, and at the south
end one very spacious apartment which was supposed to have been the
abbot's chief room. The dormitories or cells were connected with the
great gallery."

[Picture: Stone coffin lids at Flaxley Abbey]

[Picture: The Refectory of Flaxley Abbey]

[Picture: Open Timber Roof of the Abbot's Room at Flaxley Abbey]

A further trace of the same period is also to be found at the head of one
of the brooks feeding the stream which descends the Flaxley valley,
called "St. Anthony's Well," and which, from its supposed medicinal
properties, was until late years widely famed for curing cutaneous
disorders, although under circumstances somewhat connected with the
marvellous, its peculiar efficacy being combined with the rising of the
sun, the month of May, and the visits to it being repeated nine times in
succession. However, after due allowance for some exaggeration, there
remains ample proof of the utility of its waters in removing diseases of
the skin. The square basin or reservoir of stone immediately adjoining
the head of the spring was made at the commencement of this century for
the convenience of bathers, and occupies a very secluded position,
overshadowed by a large beech-tree, and closed round with mossy banks.
The water is abundant in quantity, and contains iron and lime, derived
from the strata through which it percolates. The general temperature is
50 degrees.

[Picture: St. Anthony's Well]

On the suppression of the Abbey in 1541, Henry VIII. granted it to Sir
William Kingston, the Constable of the Tower of London, memorable as
being the person to whom the dying Wolsey confessed--"If I had served God
as diligently as I have done the King, he would not have given me over in
my gray hayres." Sir William dying in 1545, letters patent regranted to
Anthony his son (who in consideration of his father's services was
knighted on the occasion)