A new history of Coombe Abbey takes its story from the Cistercian foundation in 1150 through secularisation in Tudor times and development as a stately home occupied by the Craven family for 300 years. They sold it in 1923, since when it has been developed as a popular 500 acre country park and luxury hotel. Written by Oxford historian Derek Winterbottom it is available from the Visitors Centre at Coombe Country Park, or the Hotel. Paperback, 190 pages with colour illustrations, price £12.50
Visit Derek Winterbottom’s website