Abbeys and Monasteries in Yorkshire

Bolton Abbey is 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 Dales, Yorkshire, England, BD23 6AL

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Heritage Highlight: The east end of the church, including the arch of the east window, still stand to full height.

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A beautiful ruined abbey in a peaceful countryside setting, known for its rose window and lovely geometric floor tiles.
Byland, Coxwold, Yorkshire, England, YO61 4BD

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Heritage Highlight: The wonderful rose window is a real treat.

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Coverham Abbey was a Premonstratensian monastic house established by Helewisia de Glanville in 1190. De Glanville was the daughter of Ranulf de Glanville, Lord Chief Justice of the realm.
Coverham, Yorkshire, England, DL8 4RL

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At Easby, near Richmond, stand the ruins of 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 within 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.
B6272, Richmond, Yorkshire, England, DL10 7EU

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The extensive remains of a 12th century Cistercian monastery, named a World Heritage site. Named for the many springs in the area, Fountains grew to become one of the largest and richest monasteries in Britain. The medieval architecture is superb, including a 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

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Heritage Highlight: One of the highlights of English heritage; the superb vaulting of the undercroft should not be missed.

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The 15th-century tower is all that remains of Richmond's medieval Franciscan friary, established in 1257. The friary patron was Ralph fitz Randal, Lord of Middleham, whose heart was buried in the friary church. Grey Friars Tower stands in a public park a short stroll from the town's marketplace.
Friary Gardens, Victoria Road, Richmond, Yorkshire, England, DL10 4UJ

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Heritage Highlight: 15th-century bell tower

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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

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Heritage Highlight: Fabulous collection of wildflowers adorn the ruins of this 12th century abbey.

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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.
Whitwell on the Hill, Kirkham, Yorkshire, England, YO60 7JS

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Heritage Highlight: Superb 13th century gatehouse with heraldic carvings

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Kirkstall Abbey was founded at Barnoldswick in 1147 as a daughter house of Fountains Abbey. It was moved to Kirkstall, in what is now Leeds, in 1152. The monastic buildings survive to a remarkable degree, in part because they were used as farm buildings after the Dissolution of the Monasteries.
Abbey Road, Kirkstall, Leeds, Yorkshire, England, LS5 3EH

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Heritage Highlight: Exceptionally well-preserved abbey ruins

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A housing estate on the edge of Barnsley is not where you would expect to find the ruins of a 12th-century monastery, but in these unlikely surroundings, you will find the remarkably complete remains of Monk Bretton Priory.
Abbey Lane, Barnsley, Yorkshire, England, S71 5QD

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Heritage Highlight: Extraordinary medieval drainage system

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