Redwall Abbey

The setting for the lion's share of the novel, Redwall Abbey is an establishment dedicated to providing help to any needy creature that comes in good faith. The Abbey is essentially self-sustaining, with its gardens, orchard, and pond. It has the appearance of a medieval Roman Catholic monastery but is virtually void of religious observance. The Redwall Abbey has often been besieged but never conquered. Its success is attributed to the Sword of Martin the Warrior, its founder. The sword, however, has disappeared, leaving the Abbey vulnerable to assault by Cluny the Scourge. The novel's protagonist, Matthias, begins as a clumsy novice, preparing to join the order. In time, however, he becomes the reincarnation of Martin and the Abbey's official protector.

The Abbey is built as a square around a grassy inner court. It is oriented to the four points of the compass. Atop the sandstone...