Abbeys and priories

In medieval times, religion was an extremely important part of everyday life. So much so that a number of particularly devout individuals decided to go out into the wilderness and search for God. However, needing a place to worship they beseeched rich landowners for areas they could do this in peace. They were given poor quality land (which often would be boggy and uninhabited) on the assumption that the landowner would be rewarded for their kindness in heaven. They transformed the land they inhabited by their labours and developed drainage systems, iron working industries and farming, with special emphasis on wool production. Consisting of a variety of orders including Cistercian, Benedictine, Augustinian and Gilbertine the monks were a major contributory to the mainstay of economic activity in the area and also gave shelter to the poor and put them to work.

Ampleforth Abbey and College
Not far from the village is the famous Ampleforth Abbey and College. The church, reception and grounds are open to the public. The Westminster Cross commemorates the late Cardinal Basil Hume, Archbishop of Westminster and former Fr Abbot of Ampleforth. Click here for more information

Baysdale Abbey
Cistercian Priory (c.1189-1536/7). This convent, probably for 12 nuns and a prioress was established at Hutton (c.1162) before moving to Nunthorpe (c.1166) and finally to Baysdale. The site is now used as holiday cottages but no building remains survived.

Byland Abbey
The Abbey, which is in the care of English Heritage, is noted for its glazed tiles and remains of a high circular window in the west wall. Click here for more information.

Gisborough Priory
Although the Augustinian house of Gisborough Priory, established in the 12th century, became one of the, richest monastic houses in the North of England, all that is left today is the ruined remains of the east end of the church. Some of the early magnificence is however reflected in the ruins. Click here for more information.

Lastingham
Benedictine Abbey (654-867) (1078-1086).
The original Celtic foundation was destroyed by the Danes. The new benedictine foundation was established by monks from Whitby who later moved to York. Excellent example of a Norman crypt.

Mount Grace Priory
Situated on A19, north of Osmotherley.
One of only nine Carthusian Priories founded in this country and the best preserved. There is a fully restored and furnished monk's cell on display. Exhibition and Gift Shop. The Priory is owned by the National Trust but cared for and run by English Heritage. Click here for more information.

Newburgh Priory
Large 17th and 18th century house with fine rooms. Wild water garden. 1 mile south of Coxwold.
Open: Grounds and House: 4th April-30th June, Wednesdays and Sundays and Easter Monday.
House: 2.30pm-4.45pm, Grounds: 2pm-6pm.
Groups by appointment.
Admission: Grounds only, Adult £2.50, Children free.
House: Adults £2.50, Children £2
Tel: 01347 868435
Website: www.newburghpriory.co.uk.

Rievaulx Abbey
One of the largest and finest Cistercian abbeys in England, the monastery ruins are an impressive sight. Museum, gift shop, car park and toilets for visitors to the abbey. Audio tour available. Click here for more information.

Rosedale Abbey
Steep and winding roads on either side of the valley lead down into the village of Rosedale Abbey. Despite its name, there never was an abbey here - just a small Cistercian nunnery of which only a stone turret or belfry remains. Around the head of the dale is a cinder railway track bed from the 19th century ironstone mining industry. Relics of the mining survive along the course of this old railway line, which gave rise to a huge population increase in the village. This is a popular area for country walks.

Whitby Abbey - (657-876) and (1077-1539).
During the early monastic period, Whitby was the venue for the historic Synod of Whitby (664) at which the date of Easter was agreed between the Celtic and Roman churches. It was decided that the Roman church was the prominent religion. Impressive cliff top site. Click here for more information.

Wykeham Priory
Cistercian Priory (c.1153-1539/40).
Speed refers to this priory as Gilbertine. It was burnt down in the reign of Edward III.
The present church of All Saints was built in 1853. The tower is set aside from the church and is all that remains of the 14th century chapel which stood there.