Easby Abbey (North York Moors)
An abandoned Premonstratensian abbey on the bank of the River Swale. A pleasant walk away from Richmond Castle.
Introduction
The substantial remains of an abbey of Premonstratensian 'white canons', probably most notable for its lavish roof-height refectory of c. 1300 and other monastic buildings. Within the precinct is the still-active parish church, displaying fine 13th-century wall-paintings. In a beautiful setting by the River Swale, Easby Abbey can be reached via a pleasant walk from Richmond Castle.
Opening times
31 March-30 September: 10am-6pm
1-31 October: 10am-5pm
1 November-31March: 10am-4pm
History to the present day
The Abbey of St. Agatha, Easby, was founded in 1152 by Roald, Constable of Richmond Castle. The inhabitants were canons rather than monks. The Premonstratensians wore a white habit and became known as the White Canons.
The White Canons followed a code of austerity similar to that of Cistercian monks. Unlike monks of other orders, they were exempt from the strict Episcopal discipline. They undertook preaching and pastoral work in the region (such as distributing meat and drink).
Other Premonstraterian houses include Egglestone Abbey in County Durham and Shap Abbey in Cumbria.
Like most northern monasteries, Easby suffered from frequent Scottish raids during the Middle Ages. Ironically, great damage was caused to Easby and Egglestone Abbey in 1346 when the English army was billeted there on its way to the Battle of Neville's Cross.
In the late 1530s Henry VIII dissolved the monasteries. The abbey was abandoned and left to fall into ruins, though some of the best features were salvaged: the fine canopied choir stalls are now found in Richmond parish church.
