Roche Abbey, nr Maltby, South Yorkshire (Yorkshire )

12th centruy Roche Abbey has one of the most complete ground plans of any English Cistercian monastery.

Summary

13th century buildings (or older)
Gift shop
Free car parking (on site)

Food and Drinks

Picnic area

Introduction

Beautifully set in a valley landscaped by 'Capability' Brown in the 18th century, the most striking feature of this Cistercian abbey is the eastern end of its church, built in the new Gothic style c. 1170. It has one of the most complete ground plans of any English Cistercian monastery, laid out as excavated foundations. The story of the pillaging of Roche, recorded by the son of an eyewitness, is among the most vivid documents of the Dissolution of the Monasteries.

History to the present day

The abbey was founded in 1147 when the stone buildings were raised on the north side of the beck. The co-founders of Roche were Richard de Busli, likely the great-nephew of the first Roger de Busli, the Norman magnate builder of Tickhill Castle, and Richard FitzTurgis. When the monks first arrived in South Yorkshire from Newminster Abbey in Northumberland, they chose the most suitable side of the stream that runs through the valley, on which to build their new Cistercian monastery. Twenty-five years later, at the end of the century, the Norman Gothic great church had been finished, as well as most of the other buildings. The control of the abbey was vested in the de Vesci family, lords of Rotherham, who in turn subfeuded the land to Richard FitzTurgis, lord of Wickersley (and who took Wickersley as his surname).

From the start, the Abbey of Roche, built for the so-called White Monks, as the Cistercians were known, had an almost otherworldly air. It was, after all, built at the northern end of an area once covered by Sherwood Forest, and it was said that Robin Hood went to Mass here. (A diocesan pilgramage is still made today on Trinity Sunday.)

Eventually, on co-founder FitzTurgis' death, control of the abbey passed to his son Roger, now 'de Wickersley,' and then eventually to a granddaughter Constantia, who married William de Livet (Levett), a family of Norman origin who were lords of the nearby village of Hooton Levitt (or Levett). The abbey continued in the Levett family until 1377, when John Levett of Hooton Levitt sold his rights in the abbey to the London merchant Richard Barry. By the time of the dissolution full control of Roche Abbey was held by Henry Clifford, 2nd Earl of Cumberland, who came in for numerous grants at the Dissolution as he was married to the niece of King Henry VIII.

Other facilities

Refreshments: Ice creams and soft drinks available, and picnics welcome in grounds.

Access to abbey and grounds: access to main part of ruins over smooth grass and to south side of stream via grass slope. Seats.

Toilets: In Abbey House adapted with level access.

Shop: Level access.

Parking is 250m from admissions on a rough path. Alternative parking available for disabled visitors beside admission point.

Visually Impaired Visitors: The abbey is a Site of Special Scientific Interest: there are many bird and animal sounds and four waterfalls. NB Visitors should beware many low walls.

Arrival information and how to find us

Address: Roche Abbey, South Yorkshire, Yorkshire , , United Kingdom

Road Access: 1 1/2 miles South of Maltby, off A634.

Train Access: Conisbrough 7 miles.

Bus Access: First 1, 2, 10, TM Travel 122 Rotherham - Maltby, then 1 1/2 miles.

Opening Times:

April to March

1 Apr-30 Sep 11am-4pm Thu, Fri, Sat, & Sun.

Price:

Adult: £3.00

Children: £1.50

Concession: £2.60

Photographs courtesy of English Heritage Photo Library.