Hertfordshire, England. Founded c.793by Offa, King of the Mercians. In 1077 Abbot Paul of Caen undertook the work of rebuilding; this was completed in 11 years and large parts of the structure still exist. The abbey was confiscated by King Henry VIII in 1530, but escaped destruction. Matthew Paris is probably the most famous monk of the foundation. In the late 19th century Lord Grimthorpe, at his own expense, undertook the restoration of the buildings, with unfortunate results.
This dictionary contains not only definitions and explanations of every subject in Religion, Scripture, tradition, doctrine, morals, sacraments, rites, customs, devotions and symbolism, but also accounts of the Church in every continent, country, diocese; missions, notable Catholic centers, cities, and places with religious names; religious orders, church societies, sects and false religions. It has brief articles also on historical events and personages, on the Old Testament and New, and on popes, prelates, priests, men and women of distinction, showing what the Church has done for civilization and correcting many errors which have hitherto passed for history.Wikipedia
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