Lindisfarne

Abbeys and Monasteries in England

Most of these medieval marvels are in ruins. For some that aren't, check out Cathedrals.
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Denny Abbey and Farmland Museum    Traditional farmworkers' cottage, fenman's hut, village shop, stone barn and workshops all recreate farm life in Cambridgeshire over the centuries. Lending to the historical presence is adjacent Denny Abbey. Ely Road, Waterbeach, Cambridge, Cambridgeshire, England, CB5 9PQ Attraction Type: Abbey Location: 6 miles N of Cambridge E off the A10 Website: Denny Abbey and Farmland Museum Email: info@farmlandmuseum.org.uk Phone: 01223 860 988/489 Fax: 01223 860 988 Location map OS TL489 687 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Easby Abbey    A Premonstratensian monastery established around 1300 on the banks of the River Swale. The refectory stands to a considerable height, and there are remnants of wall paintings in the old parish church in the abbey grounds. Easby Abbey is situated in a lovely dell in wooded countryside but within sight of Richmond Castle, and there is a path along the river joining the abbey and castle. Easby Abbey is in the care of English Heritage. Richmond, Yorkshire, England Attraction Type: Abbey OS NZ186000 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Eastbridge Hospital of St Thomas    Established in the 12th century by the Archbishop of Canterbury as a place of hospitality to pilgrims, Eastbridge Hospital has operated as an almshouse for the last 400 years. View the Gothic undercoft, Pilgrims Chapel, and see the Refectory with its 13th century wall paintings. 25 High Street, Canterbury, Kent, England, CT1 2BD Attraction Type: Abbey Location: S side of Canterbury High Street Website: Eastbridge Hospital of St Thomas Email: info@eastbridgehospital.org.uk Phone: 01227 471 688 Fax: 01227 781 641 Location map OS TR147579 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Egglestone Abbey   A beautifully situated medieval abbey overlooking the River Tees, just south east of Barnard Castle. Egglestone Abbey was established around 1195 by a group of Premonstratensian canons, on land donated by Ralph de Multon. Unfortunately the donor was only renting the land from Ralph de Lenham, and did not have the right to donate it! De Multon was fined 15 marks, but the canons were allowed to stay. Barnard Castle, County Durham, England Attraction Type: Abbey Location: On a minor road 1 mile south east of Barnard Castle. Signposted off the road from Barnard Castle to Whorlton, just east of the Bowes Museum. Parking on site. Open access. - Photos of Egglestone Abbey OS NZ061152 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Elstow Abbey    The village parish church of St Mary and St Helena evidences the long history of the site as a Benedictine founded in 1078 by Judith, niece of William the Conqueror. Once part of the nunnery church, it is unusual in maintaining a campanile, or detatched bell tower, which was erected after the nunnery tower was demolished. Church End, Elstow, Bedfordshire, England, MK42 9XT Attraction Type: Abbey Location: just south of Bedford, off the A6 Website: Elstow Abbey Email: info@elstow-abbey.org.uk Location map Details of Elstow Abbey OS TL048 474 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Finchale Priory    Ruined priory, former home of 12th century hermit, St. Godric. Durham, County Durham, England, DH1 5SH Attraction Type: Abbey Location: 3 m NE Durham, off A167 Website: Finchale Priory Phone: 0191 386 3828 region English Heritage Location map OS NZ296 470 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Fountains Abbey   Extensive remains of a 12th century Cistercian abbey, that has been named a World Heritage site. Named after the many springs in the area, Fountains grew to become one of the largest and richest houses in Britain. The architecture is superb, including the surviving 168 ft. tower. In October, Fountains hosts a "son et lumiere" show (sound and light to us uneducated louts). Ripon, Yorkshire, England, HG4 3DY Attraction Type: Abbey Location: off B6265 Website: Fountains Abbey Phone: 01765 601 005 Fax: 01765 601 002 National Trust Location map OS SE275 700 Heritage Highlight: The superb vaulting of the undercroft should not be missed. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Furness Abbey    A wonderful church and small chapter house grace this ruined abbey of red sandstone in a secluded valley near Barrow-in-Furness. Barrow-in-Furness, Cumbria, England, LA13 0PS Attraction Type: Abbey Location: 1½ miles N of Barrow-in-Furness off A590 Website: Furness Abbey Phone: 01229 8263420 English Heritage Location map Details of Furness Abbey OS SD 218717 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Glastonbury Abbey    Is there a place more steeped in legend and myth than Glastonbury? Probably not. Legend holds that the earliest church here was founded by St. Joseph of Arimathea in about 60AD, and that when he planted his staff in the earth a thorn tree burst forth. In the grounds of the ruined Benedictine monastery there is a thorn tree of a variety common to the Middle East which is given to bloom around Christmas time. By the late Middle Ages Glastonbury had become the richest abbey in England, due to the heavy pilgrimage trade. It was rich enough to build an inn for well-to-do pilgrims (the George Inn, on nearby High Street, which still welcomes guests 500 years later). The best preserved building in the abbey grounds is the old Abbot's Kitchen, a curious square building which appears round due to its octagonal roof. In the abbey grounds are the reputed graves of King Arthur and Queen Guinevere, which were conveniently discovered by the Glastonbury monks in the 12th century, when the abbey needed a financial boost. Outside the grounds are the abbey tithe barn, which now serves as a wonderful rural museum, and 4 miles away at Mere is the abbey's Fish House, were fish was salted and cured. Glastonbury, Somerset, England, BA6 9EL Attraction Type: Abbey Website: Glastonbury Abbey Email: info@glastonburyabbey.com Phone: 01458 832 267 Fax: 01458 832 267 Location map Details of Glastonbury Abbey OS ST499 389 Heritage Highlight: The graves of King Arthur and Queen Guinivere, though historically dubious, offer a real insight into the medieval mindset. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Greyfriars, Gloucester    Greyfriars is the partial remain of an early Tudor friary church of the Franciscan order of monks. The Franciscans were often called 'Grey Friars' due to the colour of their robes. Greyfriars Walk, Gloucester, Gloucestershire, England Attraction Type: Abbey Location: Open access site. Website: Greyfriars, Gloucester English Heritage OS SO830186 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Hailes Abbey   Ruins of a Cistercian abbey founded in 1246. Hailes was an important pilgrimage site in the Middle Ages. There is a small museum. Winchcombe, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, England, GL54 5PB Attraction Type: Abbey Location: 2 miles NE of Winchcombe off B4632 Website: Hailes Abbey Email: hailesabbey@nationaltrust.org.uk Phone: 01242 602 398 National Trust Location map Details of Hailes Abbey OS SP049 301 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Haughmond Abbey   The ruins of a 12th century Augustinian abbey in a lovely rural setting. The roots of Haughmond Abbey go back to the 11th century when a a small religious community was established here. Around 1135 the community was refounded as a house of Augustinian canons under the patronage of William Fitzalan of Clun, and finally, in 1155 it became a full-fledged abbey. Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England Attraction Type: Abbey Location: On a minor road off the B5062 2 miles north west of Shrewsbury centre. On site parking. Seasonal opening only. Website: Haughmond Abbey English Heritage - Photos of Haughmond Abbey OS SJ538152 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Hulne Priory    Hulne Priory, was founded as a daughter house of xx in 1240 by Carmelite monks. The priory was destroyed during the Dissolution of the Monasteries by Henry VIII, but considerable parts of the monastic buildings remain intact. Among the remains are scattered Victorian sculptures of monks praying. After the priory was dissolved the property fell to the Percy family, Dukes of Northumberland, and the priory buildings now stand amidst Hulne Park, used by the Dukes as a hunting park. A very short walk away is Alnwick Abbey Gatehouse, the only surviving part of a 12th century Premonstratensian abbey. Hulne Park, Alnwick, Northumberland, England Attraction Type: Abbey Location: From Alnwick take Ratten Row, off the B6346 Wooler road. Limited parking along the verge for foot access to Hulne Park. Public access to the park is permitted, but there are no visitor facilities. OS NU164157 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Jarrow Monastery    Jarrow's monastery of St Paul was one of the most influential centres of learning in the late Saxon era, with a reputation that spread across Europe. The monastery was established by Benedic Biscop, a Northumbrian noble who lived from about 628-690 AD. Biscop is said to hae been religiously inspired after a visit to Rome. Biscop obtained a grant of land at Wearmouth from Ecgrifth, King of Northumbria, and there he established St Peter's monastery. He obtained a second grant of land at Jarrow, where he established St Paul's monastery in about 681 AD. Jarrow, Tyne and Wear, England Attraction Type: Abbey Location: In Jarrow, on a minor road north of the A185, just south of the River Tyne; follow signs for Bede's World. Open access site. Website: Jarrow Monastery English Heritage OS NZ339653 Heritage Highlight: Remains of the 7th century Saxon church are incorporated into the chancel of the current church Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Jervaulx Abbey   Jervaulx Abbey is a ruined Cistercian monastery located in a peaceful valley setting in the Vale of Ure, a few miles east of the Yorkshire Dales. The monastery was founded in 1156 as a daughter house of Byland Abbey. Apart from its historical significance and the beauty of the location, Jervaulx is known for its horticulture; over 180 varieties of wildflower grow in and on the abbey walls. Park House, Jervaulx, Yorkshire Dales, Yorkshire, England, HG4 4PH Attraction Type: Abbey Location: On the A6108 3 miles southeast of Middleham. Free parking available. Website: Jervaulx Abbey Phone: 01677 460391 Location map OS SE169856 Heritage Highlight: Fabulous collection of wildflowers adorn the ruiins of this 12th century abbey. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse   A 16th century gatehouse is all that remains of medieval Kingswood Abbey. The gatehouse is composed of a wide central arch with a gabled chamber above, and two story precinct walls to either side. The modern road runs through the gateway arch. The mullioned widow above the archway is beautifully sculptured in late Perpendicular style. Abbey Street, Kingswood, Gloucestershire, England Attraction Type: Abbey Location: In Kingswood village, off the B4060 1 mile south of Wotton-under-Edge Website: Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse English Heritage - Photos of Kingswood Abbey Gatehouse OS ST748920 Heritage Highlight: One of the last monastic buildings built in England before the Dissolution of the Monasteries. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Kirkham Priory    Kirkham Priory was founded as an Augustinian monastic house around 1120 by Walter Espec, Lord of Helmsley. It was enlarged in the early 13th century, but the priory was never wealthy, and was deeply in debt by the end of the 13th century. It did manage to survive intil it was finally suppressed by Henry VIII in 1539. Kirkham, Yorkshire, England, YO60 7JS Attraction Type: Abbey Location: 5 miles south west of Malton just east of the A64 Website: Kirkham Priory English Heritage Location map OS SE736657 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Lanercost Priory    Augistinian canons founded this priory in 1165. The chancel and transepts are in ruins, but the nave lives on as the parish church. Lovely site in a peaceful, wooded valley. Lanercost, Cumbria, England Attraction Type: Abbey Location: Off a minor road S of Lanercost, 2 miles NE of Brampton Website: Lanercost Priory Phone: 016977 3030 English Heritage Details of Lanercost Priory OS NY555 638 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Leiston Abbey    Impressive remains of a 14th century Premonstratensian abbey, one of the best preserved monastic sites in Suffolk. The abbey was established in a marshy coastal location south of Minsmere. B1069, Leiston, Suffolk, England Attraction Type: Abbey Location: Off the B1069 north of Leiston village. In the grounds of Pro Corda Music School. Website: Leiston Abbey English Heritage OS TM443643 Heritage Highlight: 16th century brick gatehouse Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Lesnes Abbey    Lesnes Abbey was founded by Richard de Luci in 1178. De Luci was chief Justiciar of England under Henry II, and he may have founded the abbey in repentance for his role in the murder of Thomas a Becket. The founder's great-granddaughter, Roesia, had her heart buried at the abbey after her death. Only the foundations remain today, but the give an idea of what this small abbey on the banks of the Thames must have been like. Abbey Road, Belvedere, Kent, England, DA17 5DL Attraction Type: Garden Location: on B213, 1 m N of A216 Website: Lesnes Abbey Email: parks&openspaces@bexley.gov.uk Phone: 020 8303 7777 Location map OS TQ477 789 Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Lilleshall Abbey   A lovely 12th century Augustinian Abbey in a peaceful rural setting. The abbey was founded by Richard de Belmeis in 1143 at Lizard, but it moved to Donnington the follwing year and to Lilleshall in 1148. The main buildings were constructed in the 12th and 13th centuries. These include the abbey church, sacristy, chapter house, warming room, kitchen, and refectory. Lilleshall, Shropshire, England Attraction Type: Abbey Location: On a minor road just east of Donnington, off the A518 Website: Lilleshall Abbey English Heritage - Photos of Lilleshall Abbey OS SJ737141 Heritage Highlight: Beautifully carved Norman Transitional door Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Lindisfarne Priory    One of the first outposts of Christianity in England. Founded by St. Aidan in the 7th century. The exquisite Lindisfarne Gospels, illuminated here about 698 AD, are now in the British Library. St. Cuthbert was bishop here, and when miracles were reported at his shrine in the 8th century, Lindisfarne became a centre of pilgrimage. The Vikings heard of the monastery's wealth, and sacked the place in 793. Eventually the monks fled Viking persecution, and it was not until the 12th century that the priory was re-established, and it is the ruins of that building that you can see today. Holy Island, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Northumberland, England, TD15 2RX Attraction Type: Abbey Location: Holy Island can only be reached at low tide across a causeway. Tide tables are posted at each end of the causeway and are printed in local newspapers. Website: Lindisfarne Priory Phone: 01289 389 200 English Heritage Location map OS NU126 419 Heritage Highlight: The highlight is simply the rich history of Lindisfarne, dating back to St Aidan. Heritage Rating:   ? Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

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