Grade I listed · Dorset

Forde Abbey

Forde Abbey is a Grade I listed building in Dorset, first listed on 4 December 1951. It is one of 244 Grade I entries among 9,210 listed buildings in Dorset; 4% of Dorset’s current entries were listed before it.

List entry
Field	Value
Name	Forde Abbey
Grade	Grade I — exceptional interest
List entry number	1153362
Date first listed	4 December 1951
Local planning authority	Dorset
Location	50.84255, -2.91144 (map)
Official record	Historic England list entry 1153362

Planning works on this listed building?

Planium checks which consents Dorset will require for your works on Forde Abbey, lists what the heritage statement must cover and drafts the application text.

Ask Planium what consent you need

What the grade means for works

Grade I buildings are of exceptional interest — only about 2.5% of listed buildings in England. Any application for listed building consent is notified to Historic England, and alterations are scrutinised closely.

The protection covers the whole building, inside and out, plus fixtures and attached structures. Typical works that need consent: replacing windows or doors, removing walls or historic fabric, changing roof coverings, installing solar panels or external insulation, and adding extensions.

Listed buildings near Forde Abbey

Name	Grade	Distance
Forde Abbey, Kitchen Garden Wall 30 Metres North-West of House	II	73 m
Forde Abbey, Detached Stable-Block 50 Metres North of Dorter Range	II	105 m
4 Gate Piers 250 Metres East-North-East of Forde Abbey	II	288 m
Forde Grange, and Two Attached Cottages	II	830 m
Forde Grange, the Stables 20 Metres North of the Barn	II	863 m
Forde Grange, the Barn with Attached Farmbuildings to North	II*	893 m
Beere Farmhouse with Attached Buildings at Rear, to North	II	1.9 km
Shedrick Cottage	II	1.9 km
New House	II	2.1 km
3, Hewood Cottages	II	2.1 km

Frequently asked questions

Is Forde Abbey listed?

Yes. Forde Abbey is on the National Heritage List for England as a Grade I listed building, list entry number 1153362, first listed on 4 December 1951. The full list entry with its description and map is on Historic England’s website.

Do I need consent for works to Forde Abbey?

Works that affect its character as a building of special architectural or historic interest — inside or out — need listed building consent from Dorset, in addition to any planning permission or building regulations approval. Like-for-like repairs often do not, but confirm with the council’s conservation officer before you start.

Source: National Heritage List for England, © Historic England 2026, via planning.data.gov.uk. Contains Ordnance Survey data © Crown copyright and database right. Licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Retrieved 12 October 2026. Local authority assigned from the list entry point. This page is a summary — the legal record is the official list entry.