Name: Shap Abbey
Rating: 5.0

Shap Abbey

Shap, Penrith CA10 3NB, UK

1-99 Years

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Description

Shap Abbey founded in the late 12th century in a secluded and beautiful valley of the river Lowther, Shap Abbey was one of 32 religious houses in Britain belonging to the Premonstratensian order of canons. Today the impressive 15th century tower and other remains can be explored with the help of information panels that guide you around the abbey and illustrate daily monastic life.

The Premonstratensian Order had been founded by St Norbert in Prémontré in northern France in 1120. Living a contemplative monastic life, these canons also served the local community as priests in nearby parishes. They were known as the ‘white canons’ because of their distinctive white woollen habits.

Free Entry. If you are looking for Best place for day out with kids and families then this is the perfect destination offering fun, adventure, and unforgettable memories for everyone.

Features

Free
Host birthday parties: No

Features

History of Shap Abbey: Founded in the late 12th century in a secluded and beautiful valley of the river Lowther, Shap Abbey was one of 32 religious houses in Britain of the Premonstratensian order of canons. Though never a large community, it was wealthy, owning lands throughout Westmorland. After the Suppression of the Monasteries by Henry VIII, parts of the abbey were incorporated into farm buildings.
The Premonstratensians and Shap Abbey: The Premonstratensian Order had been founded by St Norbert in Prémontré in northern France in 1120. Living a contemplative monastic life, these canons also served the local community as priests in nearby parishes. They were known as the ‘white canons’ because of their distinctive white woollen habits.
Shap Abbey was founded in about 1200 by a local baron called Thomas, son of Gospatric, who granted the canons land beside the river Lowther. A walled precinct with an outer gatehouse enclosed the monastic buildings, abbey mill and fishponds.
Shap was a relatively small community, only about 12 canons governed by an abbot, but it was rich, with lands donated by powerful northern families such as the Vieuxponts and the Cliffords. Apart from some Scots raids causing damage in the 14th century, its history was largely uneventful.
An Eminent Abbot: The most eminent abbot was Richard Redman (d. 1505), the son of a local landowner, who was elected abbot of Shap in 1458 while still a young man. He became the head of the Premonstratensian order in England, an important post which involved visiting all the English houses of the order, and reporting on conditions. He was eventually appointed bishop of Ely.
During the Suppression of the Monasteries the last abbot surrendered to Henry VIII’s men on 14 January 1540. All the occupants – the abbot and 14 canons – received pensions. The land was granted to the governor of Carlisle later in 1540. Some of the main monastic buildings were incorporated into a farm, but most were gradually dismantled and the materials reused.

Facilities

Parking: Car parking is available near the abbey ruins with a £2 charge for non-members payable by text. Parking is free for Members with a valid English Heritage car sticker on display.
Dogs: Dogs on leads are welcome.

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Price

Price: Free

Birthday Parties

Offer Birthday Parties: No

Open any reasonable time during daylight hours.

Address: Shap, Penrith CA10 3NB, UK

Post Code: CA10 3NB

Council: Westmorland and Furn

County: Cumbria

Road Access: 1 1⁄2 miles W of Shap, on the bank of the River Lowther.
Bus Access: Alba service 111 (Tue only) passes the approach road; Reay’s/Grand Prix/Kirby Lonsdale service 106 Penrith-Kendal passes within 1 1⁄2 miles.
Train Access: Penrith 10 miles.
Bus Access: Alba service 111 (Tue only) passes the approach road; Reay’s/Grand Prix/Kirby Lonsdale service 106 Penrith-Kendal passes within 1 1⁄2 miles.
Bicycle Access: Find this site on The National Cycle Network.
Parking: Car parking is available near the abbey ruins with a £2 charge for non-members payable by text. Parking is free for Members with a valid English Heritage car sticker on display.