The Abbott’s Lodging is in part standing, being beyond the cloister and refectory southward. There is likewise the shell of a noble hall, having very early mullioned windows, and a very large one at the west end, the tracery of which is destroyed. At the extremity of this was the great chamber, lighted by a beautiful bow window (probably a later addition), and divided into an upper and lower story.
On the north side of the Chapter House are two monumental stones: the largest indicates the death of John Fitz Alan, Lord of Clun, great-grandson of William, the founder of the monastery, and the least that of his wife Isabel, daughter of Roger Mortimer, Lord of Wigmore.
The revenues of this Abbey at the dissolution were, according to Speed, £294. 12s. 9d. The buildings were sold, and converted into a spacious mansion. Haughmond demesne comprises about 1100 acres, within which is situated the castellated Mansion of Sundorne, the property of Mrs. Corbet.
South-east, clothed with masses of woody verdure, is
HAUGHMOND HILL,
the etymology of which is derived from haut mont, the high mount. An easy ascent from the abbey leads to the summit, from whence is a rich panoramic prospect over a portion of the fertile vale of Shropshire, with the lofty steeples of its ancient capital, and the blue mountains of Cambria in the distance.
A castellated turret is erected on a steep crag of the hill, down which the Scottish Earl Douglas leaped with his horse, on being closely pursued after his escape from the Battle of Shrewsbury, and received a severe injury. He was taken prisoner, but the king, in admiration of his valour, set him at liberty.
At the foot of the hill is
THE VILLAGE OF UFFINGTON,
which is delightfully situated, and affords many rural beauties. Here for a time the lover of nature may enjoy that calm delight which moves the soul to contemplation; and whilst the eye has been charmed with the prospect enjoyed from the summit of the adjoining eminence, the heart seems hushed to the noise of a populous town, and a feeling of tranquillity imperceptibly steals upon the mind, for which a cause can scarcely be assigned.