The Abbot'S Fish House

The Abbot's Fish House is a historic building dating from the 14th century, during the reign of Edward III. It served as the house for the chief fisherman of the Abbot of Glastonbury and was used for salting and preparing fish. The structure is made of much weathered coursed and squared rubble with a stone-tiled roof, featuring a restored eaves cornice, coped verges with finials, and freestone dressings.

The building has a rectangular plan with four rooms on the ground floor and two rooms on the first floor, although the floor has been removed. Its fenestration is irregular, with the east end showcasing a traceried two-light pointed-arch window, along with two-light chamfered stone-mullioned windows and single-light openings in chamfered surrounds, all fitted with later iron grilles.

A two-centred arch doorway in a chamfered stone surround is located on the south side, with a similar opening on the first floor that was once accessible by a flight of stone steps, now missing. There are two additional narrow door openings on the west side, one on each floor, also fitted with iron grilles. Inside, there is a fireplace on each floor and four door openings in dressed stone surrounds.

The building is situated on the southwest bank of Meare Pool, which had a circumference of five miles but was drained in the late 18th century. It is believed that the fish house was built during the time of Abbot Adam of Sodbury, who served from 1322 to 1335, and who was also responsible for the nearby Manor Farmhouse. The Abbot's Fish House is designated as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.