- Byland Abbey
Byland Abbey is a ruined abbey and a small village in the
Hambleton district ofNorth Yorkshire ,England at gbmapping|SE549790.History
It was founded as a
Savigniac abbey in January1135 and was absorbed by theCistercian order in1147 . It wasn't an easy start for the community who had had to move five times before settling at New Byland, near Coxwold in1177 . Its early history was marked by disputes with no fewer than four other religious establishments: (Furness Abbey ,Calder Abbey ,Rievaulx Abbey andNewburgh Priory ). However, once it had overcome this bad start, it was described in the late 1300s as "one of the three shining lights of the north". Its financial success was not as great as that of places like Rievaulx, but it was famed for its sheep rearing and wool exports. Its church was said to be among the finest 12th-century churches in Europe.It was dissolved on
30 November 1538 . In1539 , its site was granted to SirWilliam Pickering .Description
Impressive remains can still be seen, in the care of
English Heritage , including the lower half of a hugerose window . An interesting feature is the preservation of some of the brightly-coloured medieval floor tiles. An altar table was also recovered, although that is now inAmpleforth , and a stone lecturn base from the chapter house is the only example its kind in Britain.ee also
*
Wimund (bishop) - English bishop, later turned pirate, was held here after his capture in the 12th century.External links
* [http://cistercians.shef.ac.uk/byland/ Byland Abbey] website history, building and lands.
* [http://www.northyorkmoors-stay.co.uk/tourist/Byland-Abbey.html Byland Abbey] - photograph and information.
* [http://www.yorkshire-guide.co.uk/Byland-Abbey.html Byland Abbey] - photographs and walking information.
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