rowland Abbey, also known as Croyland Abbey, is situated in Crowland, Lincolnshire and its remains are attached to the parish church. The abbey was founded by Ethelbald, the King of Mercia, early in the eight centuryin memmory of St. Guthlac. When the Danes invaded in around 870, the area the abbey was attacked and destroyed. The abbey was refounded in the reign of King Edred, but again destroyed by fire in 1091. It was rebuilt about twenty years later by Abbot Joffrid. In 1170 the greater part of the abbey and church was once more burnt down and once more rebuilt, under Abbot Edward. The abbey remained intact to the time of the Dissolution. During the extended period it was richly endowed by royal and noble visitors to the shrine of St. Guthlac and became one of the most richest of theEast Anglian abbeys. Due to its isolated position in the fens, its security and peace were comparatively undisturbed during the great civil wars and other national troubles.