Easby Abbey - A Yorkshire Secret

Being one of the best preserved monasteries of its kind and nestled by the River Swale in North Yorkshire, Easby Abbey provides a tranquil visit for a wander and a picnic.


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Filmed: Summer 2023
Music: Vindsvept, fantasy music -    • Echoes of Ages Past - Fantasy/Orchest...  
Entry: Free

— Short History
- The hamlet of Easby was listed in the Domesday survey of 1086.
- There is evidence that a religious community of some sort existed here well before the abbey was built.

- Founded in 1152 by Roald, Constable of Richmond Castle.
- The inhabitants were canons rather than monks. And were known as the White Canons, because they wore a white habit.
- It was the third Premonstratensian house funded in England.
- They followed the older Rule of St Augustine, that Premonstratensians should serve communities by preaching, teaching, charitable work, and sometimes by direct service as parish priests.
- They owned a flock of sheep which seems to be its main means of support.
- The White Canons followed a code of austerity.
- They were exempt from episcopal discipline, (having a bishop).
- Easby suffered from frequent Scottish raids during the Middle Ages.
- In 1346, the abbey suffered great damage when the English army stayed there on their way to the Battle of Neville's Cross.
- In the 14th century the land was sold to the Scrope family, who made Easby their burial place.
- In the late 14th and early 15th century the Abbey was substantially enlarged and received regular visits from the Abbot of Shap.

- In the 1530s, Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries.
- The Abbey and its lands were let to Lord Scrope of Bolton for £300.
- Much of the north, however, was rising up in support of the monasteries in what became known as the Pilgrimage of Grace. The town's bailiffs restored the canons of Easby.
- But by 1537, the Pilgrimage of Grace failed to defeat the king's forces and the canons were hung.
- Soon after the buildings were stripped of their lead roofing and partly demolished.

- Although some features were salvaged and can be seen in the Richmond parish church.

- In later years it became a focus for 18th and 19th century Romantic artists.

#Castle #Abbey #Yorkshire

— Further Reading
- https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/v...
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Easby_A...


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