Ruins of the Abbey Church at Einshamdetails

A. W. [Anthony Wood] went to Einsham, to see an old Kinsman, called Thom. Barncote. He was there wonderfully strucken with a Veneration of the stately, yet much lamented, ruins of the Abbey there, built before the Norman Conquest [of 1066]. He saw then there two high Towers at the West end of the Church, and some of the North Walls of the Church standing. He spent some time with a melancholy Delight in taking a prospect [note a] of the ruins of that Place. [note **] All which, together with the Entrance or Lodg, were soon after pul’d downe, and the Stones sold to build Houses in that Towne and neare it. The Place hath yet some Ruins to shew, and to instruct the pensive Beholder with an exemplary Frailty. (p. 103)

a This Prospect is now in the Ashmolean Museum. It was lately engraved, but without any notice of Mr. Wood. (Wood’s MSS. in Mus. Ashm. 8505.)