Hailes Abbey, Gloucestershire
The Cistercian abbey of Hailes was founded in 1246 by Richard, Earl of Cornwall. He founded it in thanksgiving for surviving a shipwreck. Its elaborate buildings were funded by pilgrims visiting its relic, the 'Holy Blood of Hailes', a phial allegedly of Christ's blood. The abbey church was built by 1277. Following its dissolution in 1539 by Henry VIII, the abbey was sold to a dealer in monastic properties, soon after which the church was demolished. This site is now in the care of English Heritage (2010).
