Yorkshire Abbeys & Priories

BOLTON PRIORY - Bolton Abbey, near Skipton
Twelfth century Augustinian Priory - now a graceful ruin but part of the restored Parish Church of St. Mary and St. Cuthbert. Both are a favourite with visitors to the estate.

BYLAND ABBEY - near Coxwold
One of the greatest Cistercian monasteries, standing beneath the Hambleton Hills, just over a mile from the village of Coxwold, in North Yorkshire. It boasts the largest collection of medieval floor tiles still in their original setting.

EASBY ABBEY - near Richmond
The substantial and interesting remains of this twelfth century abbey are located in a beautiful position by the River Swale. It was founded by the one of the stricter orders. the Premonstratensian canons.

FOUNTAINS ABBEY - near Ripon
The abbey is sited on the banks of the River Skell and is the largest monastic ruin in Britain. It was founded in 1132 by the Cistercian monks. The ruins provide a dramatic focal point for the 18th century landscaped Georgian water gardens.

FRIARY GARDENS - Richmond
From the Market Place Friar's Wynd takes you through one of the two remaining medieval gateways, past the Georgian Theatre to the Friary Gardens where the fine 12th century Franciscan Friary bell tower, built by the Greyfriars of Richmond, still stands -- amidst beautiful, well kept gardens. The house of the Greyfriars was founded by Ralph Fitz Randal, Lord of Middleham in 1258.

GISBOROUGH PRIORY - Guisborough
Founded in the early 12th century for Augustinian canons by Robert de Brus. There are few remains which include a gatehouse and the east end of an early 14th century church.

JERVAULX ABBEY - between Masham and Middleham
Jervaulx is a Cistercian Abbey dating back to 1156. It was more severely mutilated than some of the other large Yorkshire monasteries due to Adam Sedbar, who was the last abbot of Jervaulx. He protested strongly against the dissolution - the ill fated Pilgrimage of Grace. To raise money for the cause he sold the Abbey plate.

KIRKHAM PRIORY - near Malton
This twelfth century Augustinian Priory enjoys a unique atmosphere and delightful location by the secluded River Derwent. The abbey is entered through a magnificent carved stone gatehouse.

KIRKSTALL ABBEY - Leeds
Kirkstall Abbey is one of the most important buildings historically in Leeds. Built between 1152 and 1182 on the northern bank of the River Aire, the Abbey was home to a great community of Cistercian Monks and lay brothers. After its dissolution in 1539 the Abbey's windows, roofs and much of the stonework was steadily removed for use in local building projects and this helps explain its current partially-ruined appearance.

MOUNT BRETTON PRIORY - near Barnsley
Sandstone ruins of a Cluniac monastery founded in 1153 with extensive remains of the fully restored 14th century gatehouse.

MOUNT GRACE PRIORY - between Thirsk and Northallerton
One of the best preserved Carthusian monasteries in the country. Set in breathtaking woodland surroundings. There is a fully restored two-storey cell, complete with hand-carved replica cabinets, beds and chests.

RIEVAULX ABBEY - near Helmsley
Throughout the 400 years of its existance as an abbey, Rievaulx was dominated by the reputation of its third abbot, St. Aeldred. This most holy and revered of men, Aeldred's leadership and wisdom made Rievaulx the largest monastic establishment in Britain.

ROCHE ABBEY - near Maltby
This Cistercian monastery was founded in 1147. It is set in an enchanting valley landscaped by Capability Brown.

SELBY ABBEY - Selby
Selby Abbey was founded in the twelfth century and was the first monastery to be established in the north of England after the Norman Conquest. The abbey took around 130 years to complete and was recognised as the wealthiest and most influential Benedictine monastery in Yorkshire. At the time of the Dissolution in 1539, the monastic buildings were demolished but the abbey church survived to become the parish church.

WHITBY ABBEY - Whitby
Set in an impressive clifftop location above the picturesque fishing town of Whitby. The abbey was used as a setting for Bram Stoker's Dracula.