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Sawley Abbey

Travel Information and nearby accommodation

The atmospheric remains of a 12th century Cistercian monastery standing beside the River Ribble. The abbey was founded in 1147 by William de Percy, and is built to the traditional Cistercian plan, with the abbey church forming the north range of the cloisters, lay brother's quarters on the west range, an east range featuring the chapter house and monk's quarters, and further domestic buildings on the south range.

Sawley Abbey was dissolved by Henry VIII in 1536, forcing the monks to leave, however, when the abortive uprising known as Pilgrimage of Grace prompted them to briefly reoccupy the abbey. The king was enraged by the monk's temerity, and sent a force under the Earl of Derby to deal with Sawley. Abbot William Traford was executed for treason, and the monks left Sawley for good.

Parts of the 12th century church still stand, as does the abbey gatehouse. A large number of earthworks surround the abbey ruins. These are probably remains of stock enclosures, gardens, and service buildings for the abbey.
Sawley, Lancashire, England

About Sawley Abbey
Attraction Type: Abbey
Location: In Sawley, off the A59. Open all year except New Years and Christmas holidays. Check English Heritage website for details.
Website: Sawley Abbey
English Heritage
Location map
OS SD776464
Photo Credit: Alan Southworth, licensed for reuse under Creative Commons Licence.
Heritage Rating:   ?

Nearest attractions Nearest Towns and Villages Nearest accommodation Nearest Tourist Information Centre

OS map Related Information

Nearest Attractions Browsholme Hall - 5.8 miles (Historic House) Pendle Heritage Centre - 6.8 miles (Historic Property) Whalley Abbey Gatehouse - 7 miles (Abbey) Stonyhurst College - 7 miles (Historic House) Gawthorpe Hall - 7.9 miles (Historic House) Malham Cove - 12.7 miles (Countryside) Goodshaw Chapel - 12.8 miles (Church) Janet's Foss - 13.4 miles (Countryside)

Nearest Towns and Villages Settle - 11 miles away Kirkby Malham - 11.4 miles away Malham - 12.2 miles away Clapham - 13 miles away Skipton - 13.7 miles away Haworth - 17 miles away Ingleton - 17.5 miles away Kirkby Lonsdale - 22.7 miles away

Nearest Accommodation to Sawley Abbey

Nearest Self Catering Cottages

The Manor House - 2.5 miles from Sawley Abbey Harrop Fold, Lancashire Sleeps: 6 Stay from: £295

The Old Granary - 2.5 miles from Sawley Abbey Harrop Fold, Lancashire Sleeps: 2 Stay from: £195

Bradley House - 2.5 miles from Sawley Abbey Harrop Fold, Lancashire Sleeps: 4 Stay from: £220

More Self Catering near Sawley Abbey

Nearest Hotels

The Stirk House Hotel - 2.4 miles from Sawley Abbey Gisburn, Yorkshire Stay from: £60.00

Eaves Hall Hotel - 2.9 miles from Sawley Abbey Clitheroe, Lancashire Stay from: £78.00

The Old Post House Hotel - 3.5 miles from Sawley Abbey Clitheroe, Lancashire Stay from: £48.00

More Hotels near Sawley Abbey

Nearest Bed and Breakfasts

The Old Post House Hotel - 3.5 miles from Sawley Abbey Clitheroe, Lancashire From: £48.00

The Bayley Arms - 7.7 miles from Sawley Abbey Clitheroe, Lancashire From: £40.00

Maypole Inn - 8.1 miles from Sawley Abbey Skipton, Yorkshire From: £29.00

More bed and breakfasts near Sawley Abbey

Clitheroe
Ribble Valley Borough Council
Church Walk
Clitheroe
Lancashire
England
BB7 2DA
Tel: 01200 425 566
Alternate Tel: 01200 442 226
Fax: 01200 414 488
Email: tourism@ribblevalley.gov.uk
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