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Egglestone Abbey
Travel Information and nearby accommodation
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.
The abbey, which was dedicated to St Mary and St john the Evangelist, was never terribly well endowed, and usually numbered only fifteen canons, several of whom also served as vicars of nearby churches, a somewhat unusual arrangement. Throughout its history the abbey suffered from ongoing poverty not to mention raids from the Scots!
So poor was the abbey that they often struggled to maintain the minumum number of 12 canons required to maintain status as an abbey. In the early 13th century the abbey at Premontre, in France, the headquarters of the Premonstratensian order, held an enquiry to see if Egglestone should be allowed to continue as an abbey or 'downgraded' to priory. Egglestone survived the enquiry, but it does indicate that the canons must have led a very hand-to-mouth existence. In 1398 Pope Boniface VIII tried to help by offering an indulgence to any pilgrim visiting Egglestone on one of the main religious feast days. The abbey was frequently unable to pay its taxes, and in 1496 the canons were excused taxes 'on account of their notorious poverty'.
After the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII the abbey was sold to Robert Strelly, who converted the monastic buildings into domestic quarters from himself and his family. A farmhouse wa established in the former east range of the abbey. However, the abbey quickly fell into decay, and eventually was pulled down, and the stone used for building nearby Rokeby Hall.
The best remaining buildings are the abbey church, where there are several surviving medieval tombs under the crossing, notably the table tomb of Sir Rafe Bowes. The east end, or presbytery, stands to the height of the great east window. Beyond the church is the cloister, of which only the foundation walls exist to show the outline of the cloister walk.
The other major section of the abbey buildings to survive partly intact is the east range, where the chapter house was located. Here you can clearly see the signs of alterations made when this building was converted into a farmhouse in the 16th century.
This is a lovely site, peaceful and very enjoyable to visit. A nice spot for a picnic on a sunny summer's day!
Barnard Castle,
County Durham,
England
About Egglestone Abbey
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.
Location
map
Egglestone Abbey Photos
OS NZ061152
Heritage Rating:  ?
Photos of Egglestone Abbey
Egglestone Abbey church |
Presbytery |
Bowes tomb and Presbytery |
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Nearest Accommodation to Egglestone Abbey
Nearest Self Catering Cottages |
 The Cottage, Far East Hope -
2.7
miles from Egglestone Abbey
Barningham, County Durham
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £250 |
 West Cottage -
2.9
miles from Egglestone Abbey
Barnard Castle, County Durham
Sleeps: 4
Stay from: £210 |
 Red Lion Cottage -
4.2
miles from Egglestone Abbey
Cotherstone, County Durham
Sleeps: 8
Stay from: £350 |
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Nearest Tourist
Information Centre
Barnard Castle
Tourist Information Centre
Woodleigh
Flatts Road
Barnard Castle
County Durham
England
DL12 8AA
Tel: 01833 690 909
Alternate Tel: 01833 695 320
Fax: 01833 695 320
Email: tourism@teesdale.gov.uk
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