Abbeys and Monasteries in Lincolnshire

A striking 8th-century abbey rebuilt several times; surviving Norman aspects can be seen in the font and the west arch of the central tower. The abbey underwent its final destruction in 1539 as part of Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries. The nave of the abbey church and two side aisles were left standing to serve as the parish church for Crowland. Sadly, only the north aisle now remains. The name of abbey and town are the cause of great confusion - the town is properly 'Crowland', but the abbey is 'Croyland'. This oddity was apparently the result of a spelling mistake by a medieval monk who incorrectly copied the name into official records.
45 East Street, Crowland, Lincolnshire, England, PE6 0EN

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Kirkstead Abbey is a ruined 12th-century monastery in a farm field on the outskirts of Woodhall Spa. The abbey was founded as a daughter house of Fountains Abbey and lasted until 1537 when it was suppressed by Henry VIII. You can still see the moat that surrounded the abbey and an intact 13th-century chapel outside the monastery.
Abbey Lane, Kirkstead, Lincolnshire, England, LN10 6UH

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Heritage Highlight: 12th-century south transept wall

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Thornton was founded as an Augustinian priory in 1139 but became a full-fledged abbey in 1148. The chief interest here is a massive 14th century gatehouse, the largest monastic gatehouse in England, probably built in response to the Peasant's Revolt of 1381. The gatehouse is remarkable for its early use of brick as a building material.
Thornton Curtis, Ulceby, Lincolnshire, England, DN39 6TU

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Heritage Highlight: 14th century brick gatehouse

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