Easby Abbey
Religious Place In Richmond, North Yorkshire
Ruins of a 12th century Premonstratensian abbey in the hamlet of Easby.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Today Easby Abbey is maintained by English Heritage, and visitors are able to wander through the remnants of the once-thriving monastery. You can read a more in-depth history of the abbey on the English Heritage website, if you want to know more.
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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.
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How To Find Easby Abbey
Where To Park For Easby Abbey?
Lat / Long
54.397194, 54.397194
What three words
There is a small car park in Easby, close to the abbey and church.
Contributed by Sandra Clemens
I love the great outdoors and have been a National Trust & English Heritage member for years. I also love going off the beaten track and finding places like Sharp's Folly or Rothley Castle which are hidden gems in Northumberland. My favourite recent hike was climbing Red Screes in the Lake District on a whim, not fully grasping how high 776m was. It was still an achievement to conquer a Wainwright walk and I hope to do more one day.
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Join Our Facebook GroupEasby Abbey was listed in Religious Place // North Yorkshire // Richmond