The Abbot's Fish House, Meare

51°10′18″N 2°46′34″W / 51.1718°N 2.776°W / 51.1718; -2.776

The Abbot's Fish House
The Abbot's Fish House, Meare is located in Somerset
The Abbot's Fish House, Meare
Location within Somerset
General information
Architectural styleGothic
LocationMeare, Somerset
Country England
Coordinates51°10′18″N 2°46′34″W / 51.1718°N 2.7760°W / 51.1718; -2.7760
Completed14th century
Official nameThe Abbot's Fish House and Fishponds
Designated7 August 1916
Reference no.1008018
Listed Building – Grade I
Official nameThe Abbot's Fish House
Designated22 November 1966
Reference no.1345067

The Abbot's Fish House in Meare, Somerset, England, was built in the 14th century and has been designated as a Grade I listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument.[1][2][3] It is the only surviving monastic fishery building in England.[4]

Fishing was an important source of food for the monks of Glastonbury Abbey. Fishing was carried out in artificial ponds, which were mentioned at Meare in the Domesday Book and from the River Brue and Meare Pool. The present rectangular stone building was constructed by the abbot between 1322 and 1335 for the storage and processing of the fish and as a residence for the chief fisherman. After the Dissolution of the Monasteries the building fell into disrepair and it was seriously damaged by fire in the 1880s. Some restoration has been undertaken during the 20th century, including the replacement of the roof in the 1920s.

  1. ^ Cite error: The named reference IoE was invoked but never defined (see the help page).
  2. ^ Historic England. "The Abbot's Fish House (1345067)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
  3. ^ Historic England. "The Abbot's Fish House and Fishponds (1008018)". National Heritage List for England. Retrieved 10 January 2015.
  4. ^ "Meare Fish House". English Heritage. Retrieved 11 January 2015.

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