Reinfrid, a soldier of William the Conqueror, became a monk
and travelled to Streoneshalh, which was then known as Prestebi
or Hwitebi (the "white settlement" in Old Norse) and founded a
new monastery.  The second monastery lasted until it was
destroyed by Henry VIII in 1540 during the Dissolution of
the Monasteries.  Though the abbey fell into ruin, it remained
a prominent landmark for sailors and helped inspire Bram
Stoker's Dracula.  In December 1914, it was shelled by German
battlecruisers Von der Tann and Derfflinger who were aiming
for the signal post on the end of the headland.  The Abbey
sustained considerable damage during the ten minute attack.

Get this image from alamy