Kirkstall Abbey Ruins
Located just over three miles to the west of Leeds city centre, Kirkstall Abbey is a major attraction to visitors who are interested in history or religion. Based in the grounds of a public park close to the banks of the River Aire, Kirkstall Abbey is an imposing set of ruins that are nearly nine hundred years old.
One of Britain’s best-preserved abbeys, Kirkstall Abbey is the existing ruins of a Cistercian monastery that has lain empty since 1534, owing to King Henry VIII and his order of the ‘Dissolution of Religious Houses’.
History of Kirkstall Abbey
Taking 75 years to build, Kirkstall Abbey is a masterpiece of architecture from a bygone age, which has meant most of the original building has survived to this day.
Founded in 1152, Cistercian monks lived and prayed at the monastery for hundreds of years until the mid-16th century, when King Henry VIII called for the dissolution of the monasteries in the United Kingdom.
Once this occurred the monks were pensioned off, some of the buildings were converted over to agricultural use, and the roofs were stripped of their lead.
From then till now, Kirkstall Abbey has been left as an empty shell without a roof. Parts of the monastery also caved in over time due to weathering and decay.
Kirkstall Abbey today
Today the Abbey has been Grade I listed; it has also undergone multi-million pound renovations in the interests of tourism that include the building of a visitor centre and souvenir shop.
The visitor centre includes many artifacts that the Cistercian monks used in the Abbey with information as to what they were used for.
Visiting Kirkstall Abbey
Admission to the Abbey ruins is free; a tour of the ruins takes around two hours.
Kirkstall Abbey opening times:
Tuesday to Sunday 10.00am – 4.00pm, March to December.
For further visitor information, visit the Kirkstall Abbey website.
How to find Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall Abbey is found just over three miles from Leeds centre on the A65 road to Kirkstall.
By Car: as you travel down the A65, you will see the ruins of Kirkstall Abbey on your left and to your right will be the Abbey House Museum. Take the right turn straight after Abbey House onto Abbey Walk, and you will see a car park at the end on your left.
By Bus: services 33, 33a and 757 from Leeds city centre to Kirkstall Road.
Address:
Kirkstall Abbey
Kirkstall
Leeds
LS5 3EH
Tel: 0113 2305492
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