Easby Abbey

Easby abbey is a very picturesque ruin in the peaceful hamlet of Easby near the River Swale. There is parking close to the abbey, however we chose to park up in Richmond and walk along the old railway line from The Station community hub, which was a lovely wander.

Easby Abbey was founded in 1152 by Roald, the Constable of Richmond Castle. The abbey belonged to the Premonstratensian order known as the White Canons because of their distinctive white robes, and stands as one of the best-preserved monasteries of this order in Britain. Unlike their Benedictine counterparts, the White Canons balanced a life of prayer with pastoral work, serving the surrounding population and preaching the faith.

Easby Abbey flourished under the patronage of the Scrope family, accumulating wealth and influence, however, the tide turned with the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536. Henry VIII's reformation act saw the abbey stripped of its possessions and its community disbanded. The magnificent structures fell into ruin and their stones used to create other buildings in the area. Despite its decline, the 18th and 19th centuries saw a renewed interest in medieval history, and the abbey's romantic charm attracted artists like JMW Turner.

Just next door is the still-active parish church of St Agatha and it's rare 13th-century wall paintings are a must see. A great place to spend a couple of hours and entry to the abbey is free.