The Abbey was described as one of the ‘shining lights of northern monasticism’ in the 12th century. Despite unpopular beginnings when the abbey was built in 1128 by a group of Savignac monks who founded a monastery at Furness, Cumberland, the abbey rose to prominence and became known as one of the biggest Cistercian order in Britain.The Abbey was described as one of the ‘shining lights of northern monasticism’ in the 12th century. Despite unpopular beginnings when the abbey was built in 1128 by a group of Savignac monks who founded a monastery at Furness, Cumberland, the abbey rose to prominence and became known as one of the biggest Cistercian order in Britain.
The Abbey was described as one of the ‘shining lights of northern monasticism’ in the 12th century. Despite unpopular beginnings when the abbey was built in 1128 by a group of Savignac monks who founded a monastery at Furness, Cumberland, the abbey rose to prominence and became known as one of the biggest Cistercian order in Britain.

Abbeys in Yorkshire: History of some of Yorkshire’s oldest abbeys including Whitby Abbey and Fountains Abbey

Many of these abbeys in Yorkshire date back to the 12th century and are steeped in history.
Liana Jacob
By Liana Jacob
Published 25th Jan 2023, 16:46 BST
Updated 26th Jan 2023, 11:37 BST

From the 11th to 12th century, many abbeys and priories were built in Yorkshire and Norman landowners increased their revenues. As a result, new towns at the time including Barnsley, Doncaster, Hull, Leeds, Scarborough and Sheffield were established.

The Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536 began under Henry VIII and resulted in the uprising known as Pilgrimage of Grace which started in Yorkshire as a protest. Religious architecture includes current surviving cathedrals as well as the ruins of monasteries and abbeys.

We have compiled a list of some of the oldest surviving abbeys in Yorkshire and their history.

We have compiled a list of some of the oldest surviving abbeys in Yorkshire and their history.

This abbey is Grade I listed and is one of the few surviving abbey churches of the mediaeval period and whilst it is not a cathedral, it is one of the biggest. It was founded by Benedict of Auxerre in 1069 and was later built by the de Lacy family.

9. Selby Abbey

This abbey is Grade I listed and is one of the few surviving abbey churches of the mediaeval period and whilst it is not a cathedral, it is one of the biggest. It was founded by Benedict of Auxerre in 1069 and was later built by the de Lacy family. Photo: Jonathan Gawthorpe

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Related topics:YorkshireWhitby AbbeyDoncasterScarboroughHull

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