England > Yorkshire > Abbeys & Monasteries

Medieval Abbeys and Monasteries in Yorkshire

Bolton Abbey - Rievaulx Abbey

Bolton Abbey   A 12th century Augustinian priory set in a superb position on the banks of the River Wharfe. The abbey was founded around 1154 by monks from Embsay who were granted land here by Lady Alice de Romille of Skipton Castle. Bolton Abbey, Yorkshire, England, BD23 6AL Attraction Type: Abbey Heritage Highlight: The east end of the church, including the arch of the east window, still stand to full height. Heritage Rating:   ? Location: Off the A59 in between Skipton and Harrogate. The abbey ruins are a short, attractive walk from the main parking lot in Bolton Abbey village. Website: Bolton Abbey Email: tourism@boltonabbey.com Phone: +44 (0) 1756 718009 Fax: +44 (0) 1756 710535 Location map - Photos of Bolton Abbey OS SE075540 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Byland Abbey    Ruined abbey known for its rose window and lovely geometric floor tiles. Coxwold, Yorkshire, England, YO61 4BD Attraction Type: Abbey Heritage Highlight: The wonderful rose window is a real treat. Heritage Rating:   ? Location: 2 miles S of A170 between Thirsk and Helmsley Website: Byland Abbey Phone: 01347 868 614 English Heritage Location map OS SE548 789 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Coverham Abbey    Coverham Abbey was a Premonstratensian monastic house established by Helewisia de Glanville in 1190. The monastery suffered greatly from an attack by Scots in the 14th century. Part of the church transept survives as well as a pair of arches. Visitors can also see the carved stone effigies of a pair of knights thought to be sons of the foundress. Part of the abbey guesthouse is incorporated into the current house on the site. The abbey is not usually open to the public, but can be viewed from the grounds of the redundant village church. Coverham, Yorkshire, England, DL8 4RJ Attraction Type: Abbey Heritage Rating:   ? Location map OS SE105863 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 Heritage Rating:   ? OS NZ186000 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 Heritage Highlight: The superb vaulting of the undercroft should not be missed. Heritage Rating:   ? Location: off B6265 Website: Fountains Abbey Phone: 01765 601 005 Fax: 01765 601 002 National Trust Location map OS SE275 700 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 Heritage Highlight: Fabulous collection of wildflowers adorn the ruiins of this 12th century abbey. Heritage Rating:   ? Location: On the A6108 3 miles southeast of Middleham. Free parking available. Website: Jervaulx Abbey Phone: 01677 460391 Location map OS SE169856 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 is rather surprising to consider that in its heyday, Kirkham Priory rivalled Rievaulx Abbey as one of the largest and wealthiest monastic settlements in the north of England. However, that heyday did not last long, and by the late 13th century Kirkham was deeply in debt. Somehow the monks held on until the priory was finally dissolved by Henry VIII. Kirkham, Yorkshire, England, YO60 7JS Attraction Type: Abbey Heritage Highlight: Superb 13th century gatehouse with heraldic carvings Heritage Rating:   ? Location: 5 miles south west of Malton just east of the A64 Website: Kirkham Priory English Heritage Location map OS SE736657 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Monk Bretton Priory    A very complete medieval monastic site located on the outskirts of Barnsley, home of a 12th century Cluniac priory. Monk Bretton was established around 1154 by Adam Fitz Swane, as a daughter house of St John's in Pontefract. However, in 1281 the monks quarrelled and Monk Bretton seperated from the Cluniac order to become a Benedictine priory instead! Barnsley, Yorkshire, England Attraction Type: Abbey Heritage Rating:   ? Location: Open daily except Christmas holidays and New Years. See English Heritage website for full details. Website: Monk Bretton Priory English Heritage OS SE374066 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Mount Grace Priory   Ruins of a 14th century Carthusian priory. Note the austere furnishings and isolated individual cells that kept the monks living as hermits within the larger community. Small herb garden. Staddle Bridge, Osmotherley, Northallerton, Yorkshire, England, DL6 3JG Attraction Type: Abbey Heritage Highlight: Highlight is the individual monk's cells Heritage Rating:   ? Location: Half mile south of junction of A19 and A172, 6 miles NE of Northallerton Website: Mount Grace Priory Phone: 01609 883494 English Heritage Location map OS SE449985 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts

Rievaulx Abbey   Once the largest and most important monastery in England. Rievaulx (a Norman mangling of "Rye Vallis") is set in beautiful woodlands. The best preserved building is the church, particularly the east end, fully three stories in height, showing off Early English flying butresses. Rievaulx, Helmsley, Yorkshire, England, YO62 5LB Attraction Type: Abbey Heritage Highlight: Magnificent church with Early English butresses Heritage Rating:   ? Location: 2 m W Helmsley, off B1257 Website: Rievaulx Abbey Phone: 01439 798 228 English Heritage Location map - Photos of Rievaulx Abbey OS SE576 851 Nearest attractions and accommodation     Nearest: hotels - cottages - Bed and Breakfasts