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Archaeology, Sites to See

Sopwell Nunnery

Sopwell Nunnery, so-called, is the remains of Sopwell House, a Tudor mansion. In 1537 the medieval nunnery was dissolved by Henry VIII, who granted the site to Sir Richard Lee, one of his military architects. Lee demolished the old buildings and between 1540-70 built a magnificent house on the site. Partly demolished in the 17th century, it is the ruins of Lee’s house that are visible today. Further information is available at the site.

From the centre of St Albans follow Holywell Hill South, turn left into Prospect Road and left again into Cottonmill Lane. The site lies on the east side of the road, and is set some way back from it. Grid reference TL 1507 0638.

Map showing Sopwell Nunnery